Despite infighting, Mamata Banerjee backs her nephew, restoring his No. 2 status
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TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee (Indian Express, File Photo)
Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, won a major vote of confidence on Friday, re-establishing himself as the party's No. 2 after weeks of internal wrangling.
Following a meeting of the newly reconstituted National Working Committee - the party's top decision-making body - it has been announced that Mr Banerjee will once again be the party's All India General Secretary.
It took place at Ms Banerjee's residence in Kolkata days after the party won local elections across four major towns despite reports of an internal rift.
In addition to Abhishek Banerjee's appointment, the Trinamool chief also approved the appointment of Congress defectors Sushmita Dev and Mukul Sangma to handle the party's units in the northeast.
Yashwant Sinha, a veteran politician and former minister, was made a Vice President along with Trinamool leaders Chandrima Bhattacharya and Subrata Bakshi.
Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim will be in charge of coordination, while Bengal minister Aroop Biswas will be treasurer.
Members of the committee were replaced last week amid tensions between supporters of her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, and her loyalists. It was a clash sparked by the 'one man, one post' principle that has irked the latter since many in the ruling establishment hold multiple posts.
This reshuffle raised the question of whether Abhishek Banerjee would return to the top position.
Upon reconstituting the National Working Committee, Mamata Banerjee reasserted her control over party affairs by including veteran leaders firmly in her camp, including Mr. Banerjee.
Many saw the reshuffle as reflecting reports of friction between Ms Banerjee and her nephew, who is effectively the party's second in command. But it has also been seen as a move by the Chief Minister to ward off a potential civil war just as she is poised to solidify her national ambitions.
The Chief Minister's reshuffle was seen by many as a manifestation of friction between her and her nephew, who is effectively the party's second in command. However, it was also seen as a way for her to avoid a civil war just as she is poised to solidify her national ambitions.