In a politically significant development in West Bengal, former CPI(M) youth leader Pratikur Rehman formally joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday, marking a notable shift from Left politics to the ruling party’s fold. The induction took place in the presence of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who handed Rehman the party flag at a programme in Amtala, South 24 Paraganas. Amtala comes under the same Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency from where Pratikur Rehman had contested the polls on a CPI(M) ticket against the same Abhishek Banerjee in 2024 polls.
Rehman, previously with the Students Federation of India (SFI) who had been associated with the CPI(M)’s youth wing and was known in organisational circles for his grassroots work and also a prominent minority face, said his decision followed careful consideration of his political future and the direction he believed would allow him to serve people more effectively. When asked about the ideological transition from the Left to the TMC, he addressed the question directly, indicating that his move was shaped by his assessment of present political realities and development priorities.
“This is just the trailer, I have been feeling suffocated within the party. First they will ask us to campaign against Mamata Banerjee’s signature Lakshmir Bhandar scheme giving financial assurance to women. We were told to call it alms and later they would say that we shouldn’t call it a dole because that was hurting the party’s image. Essentially as a party CPIM surrendered to TMC’s welfare scheme. Then why not admit that and associate with them. At least TMC is fighting against BJP. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee took their fight against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to Supreme Court, the chief minister herself went there. Where were the Left leaders? We all know who is compromising and how”, Rehman said after accepting the TMC flag
The event was positioned by TMC leaders as part of the party’s continuing outreach to workers and leaders from other political formations ahead of upcoming electoral battles. West Bengal goes to polling in April/ May this year. Abhishek Banerjee reacted sharply on CPI(M) questioning the integrity of Rehman, calling it a deal for a seat. “They have insulted their own people. The current leadership is questioning Rehman’s integrity and who are they who are compromising to make way for BJP. In 2011 CPI(M) had around 35% vote share and they are now reduced to merely 5%. Under whose leadership their votes have transferred to the BJP?”questioned Banerjee. “I must thank Pratikur that he has shown the courage to make the switch, he wants to work for the people and we respect it. Even before I could decide anything, he himself said that he doesn’t want a ticket for the impending elections. So someone who selflessly wants to work for the people are now being branded as traitor who has done a deal with us”, Banerjee clarified.
Banerjee even urged other young leaders from CPI(M) to make a move and join TMC in order to work for the people at the grassroots level. “Our ideology is one one - welfare for the people. During Covid we were on the ground, that’s our ideology. If someone is in trouble, the TMC worker responds first and that’s our ideology. We give money to women to help them, thats the ideology. We are giving assistance to the youth starting from matriculation level. The objective is to ensure the youth are financially empowered to travel and try for jobs till they are stable. We are simply supporting them. And CPI(M) is rebuking all of them as doles and alms. Our ideology is help people and nothing else”, Banerjee added.
