Kolkata, July 5: Mamata Banerjee has finally accepted defeat, exactly two months after the election results were announced. On Saturday, in a social media message, she extended her best wishes to Suvendu Adhikari, her successor as Chief Minister. However, the Trinamool leader also took the opportunity to remind the government of its responsibilities, citing allegations of post-poll political violence.
“Best wishes to the person who became Chief Minister today”
Since May 4—the day election results were declared—Mamata had refused to accept defeat. She maintained that Trinamool had not lost; rather, the Central Government and the Election Commission had installed the BJP in power. Consequently, she did not follow protocol by resigning as the outgoing Chief Minister.
However, in a social media message addressed to party workers on Saturday, Mamata acknowledged Suvendu Adhikari as the Chief Minister, stating, “I extend my best wishes to the person who has become Chief Minister today.”
Yet, alongside the well-wishes, Mamata alleged that Trinamool workers were facing post-poll political violence. Her message to the new Chief Minister was: “Do not perpetrate oppression. The tables could turn one day. Every action has a reaction.”
To boost the morale of party workers, Mamata said, “Do you think I am dead? Just because the government and the Commission are on their side, they might take away our party symbol. What does it matter? I will get a new symbol, wear it proudly, and go to the people.”
Regarding the ongoing dispute over the party office located along the Bypass, Mamata asserted that they hold the rights to the premises until August 2027.
Reminding the Chief Minister of his political past, Mamata said, “It is not as if you were never with Trinamool; you were with the Congress. You lost many times. I fought for you repeatedly—though I claim no credit for that.” She also mentioned the various responsibilities Trinamool had entrusted to him.
Looking ahead to the July 21 rally, Mamata said, “The event will take place. The police haven’t granted permission yet; I will let you know once they do.” During a Facebook Live session that day, she also addressed party defectors and dissidents.
