In a recent development that has caused significant embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), purported WhatsApp conversations between party MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad were leaked and shared publicly by BJP leader Amit Malviya. These leaked chats have exposed internal disagreements within the party and raised serious concerns about internal privacy and party discipline.​

The Incident:

On April 4, 2024, TMC MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad visited the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters to submit a memorandum on behalf of the party. Following this visit, reports emerged of a heated exchange between the two leaders, which allegedly continued onto the party's WhatsApp group named 'AITC MP 2024'. In these chats, the two leaders reportedly engaged in a spat over issues of factionalism within the party. The conversation also made a cryptic reference to a "versatile international lady," believed to be another party MP.​

BJP's Involvement:

BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, took to social media to share screenshots of these WhatsApp conversations, bringing the internal dispute into the public domain. Malviya's post not only highlighted the discord between Banerjee and Azad but also hinted at deeper factionalism within the TMC. He remarked, "This is the stuff legends are made of..." and left the identity of the "versatile international lady" open to public speculation.​

TMC's Response:

The leak has prompted reactions from senior TMC leaders. Sougata Roy, a veteran MP of the party, expressed his dismay over the incident. He stated, "The screenshots which have been published have put us to shame and embarrassment. This should not have happened..." Emphasizing the importance of confidentiality, he added, "Every party should maintain internal privacy." Roy also urged the party's leadership, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to take appropriate action to address the situation and prevent such incidents in the future.​

Implications for the Party:

This incident has several implications for the TMC:​

• Internal Discipline: The public exposure of internal disagreements highlights potential lapses in party discipline and cohesion.​

• Privacy Concerns: The leak underscores the challenges political parties face in maintaining confidentiality in the digital age.​

• Public Perception: Such incidents can tarnish the party's image and provide ammunition to opposition parties to question its unity and stability.​

Moving Forward:

To address these concerns, the TMC may consider the following steps:​

1. Strengthening Internal Communication Protocols: Implementing stricter guidelines on internal communications to prevent unauthorized disclosures.​

2. Conducting Internal Investigations: Identifying the source of the leak and taking disciplinary action if necessary.​

3. Promoting Cohesion: Encouraging dialogue among party members to resolve disagreements internally rather than allowing them to spill into the public domain.​

In conclusion, the leaked WhatsApp chats between TMC MPs have brought to light internal challenges within the party. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively will be crucial for the TMC to maintain its organizational integrity and public trust.

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