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Abhishek Banerjee (politician)

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Abhishek Banerjee
Leader of All India Trinamool Congress in Lok Sabha
Incumbent
Assumed office
4 August 2025
DeputySatabdi Roy
Preceded bySudip Bandyopadhyay
National General Secretary of All India Trinamool Congress
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 June 2021
ChairpersonMamata Banerjee
Preceded bySubrata Bakshi
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Incumbent
Assumed office
16 May 2014
Preceded bySomendra Nath Mitra
ConstituencyDiamond Harbour, West Bengal
President of Trinamool Youth Congress
In office
21 July 2011 – 5 June 2021
Succeeded bySaayoni Ghosh
Personal details
Born (1987-11-07) 7 November 1987 (age 38)
Calcutta, West Bengal, India
PartyAll India Trinamool Congress
Spouse
Rujira Narula
​
(m. 2012)​
[1][2]
Children2
RelativesMamata Banerjee (aunt)
Alma materIndian Institute of Planning and Management (BBA, MBA)
ProfessionPolitician

Abhishek Banerjee (born 7 November 1987) is an Indian politician who had been a Member of Parliament for Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, since 2014 and President of Trinamool Youth Congress since 2011.[3]

Banerjee was a member of the Standing Committee of Commerce in 2014, as well as a member of the Consultative Committee under the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs in 2014. He also served on the Railway Convention Committee from April 2015 to May 2019.[4] of External Affairs since September 2019. On 5 June 2021 he was appointed the general secretary of Trinamool Congress.[5][6]

Personal life

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Abhishek Banerjee is the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He was born into a Bengali Hindu family.[7] He was born and raised in Kolkata, India. Banerjee went to Nava Nalanda High School and M.P. Birla Foundation Higher Secondary School, both in Kolkata. After relocating to Delhi, Banerjee studied for his MBA and BBA degrees in Human Resource and Marketing at the now-defunct and contentious Indian Institute of Planning and Management[4] in 2009, New Delhi. On February 24, 2012, Banerjee married Rujira Narula,[8][9] a Thai national. They have a son and a daughter together.[4]

Political career

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Abhishek Banerjee entered politics as a member of the Trinamool Congress in 2011, after the party ousted the 34-year-old Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front regime by winning the Assembly Election that year. In 2011, Banerjee was elected National President of the All India Trinamool Youth Congress, establishing him as the Trinamool Congress's youth icon.[10]

Banerjee represented the TMC in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as a candidate from the Diamond Harbour constituency.[11] He defeated his closest opponent, Abul Hasnat of the CPI(M), by a wide margin.[12] At that time, Banerjee was the youngest parliamentarian in the lower house.[13] He also organised the M.P. Cup Football Tournament.[14] to encourage young people in his district to participate in sports and physical exercise. Following the successful conclusion of his first term, Banerjee defeated the closest opponent from the BJP by a margin of 320,594 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election from Diamond Harbour.[12] Abhishek broke the previous record by winning the Diamond Harbour constituency of the 2024 Lok Sabha for the third time in a row with 7,10,930 votes.[15][16]

Partner of the Indian National Developmental Alliance's coordination committee

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At the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance convention in Mumbai on September 1, 2023, Banerjee was named a member of the Coordination Committee.[17][18]

Internal Rebellion

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A hoard of important Trinamool Congress functionaries openly rebelled against Banerjee, calling him autocratic and arrogant. While some of them left Mamata Banerjee, other have stayed with Mamata but have issued stern warning in this regard.[19][20]

Among the prominent members leading the rebellion are Ritabrata Banerjee, Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury and Rabindranath Ghosh, the old guard Kalyan Banerjee has openly asked Mamata to choose between him and Abhishek Banerjee.[21][22]

2026 MPs Rebellion

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Following the 2026 Assembly Elections, 20 out of the 28 Members of Parliament from Trinamool Congress decided to leave Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress. They formed a new group and decided to merge with a relatively little known National Party, the Nationalist Citizen Party of India and presented a representation in this regards to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on 14 June 2026.[23][24]

After this major split in the Trinamool Congress, only 8 Lok Sabha MPs remained loyal to Mamata Banerjee. The loyalist MPs included Abhishek Banerjee, Mahua Moitra, Saugata Roy, Kalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad, Pratima Mondal and Sajda Ahmed.[25][26]

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Enforcement Directorate cases

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Banerjee and his wife Rujira Banerjee were summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in August 2021 in an alleged money laundering case involving coal smuggling. The criminal case in this matter had originally been registered by CBI after which the ED initiated money laundering probe into alleged theft in the government coalfields.[27]

He was questioned in New Delhi in September 2021, followed by second round of questioning in March 2022 in Kolkata.[28][29]

He appeared before ED for the third time in November 2023 in Bengal school jobs scam, inked to alleged improprieties in recruitment of teacher in state-aided schools.[30][31][32]

Banerjee was again summoned by ED in Kolkata on 15 June 2026 when he was interrogated for more than 11 hours in connection with the alleged primary school recruitment scam in West Bengal.[33][34][35]

MLA Signature Forgery case

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In May 2026, certain MLAs of Trinamool Congress alleged that their signatures were forged on a resolution recording the unanimous decision about election of the Leader of Opposition from Trinamool Congress in West Bengal Assembly.[36]

A criminal case has been registered in this matter and is being investigated by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal. The CID even conducted searches at the residence of ex West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the pretext of its being the Party office of Trinamool Congress.[37][38]

Abhishek Banerjee has been named the prime accused in this case. When the CID issued summons to Banerjee for interrogation, he moved to Calcutta High Court, which granted him interim protection from arrest. He appeared before the CID on 11 June 2026 and was interrogated for 05 hours. He was summoned again on 14 June, when he was again questioned for 05 hours.[39][40][41][42]

Mid night Raid

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The West Bengal Police and the Central agencies raided Banerjee's house in Kalighat’s Patuapara Road in the early hours of 13 June 2026. The police belonged to Salboni police station in Paschim Medinipur district, who claimed they were looking for Banerjee's personnel assistant Sumit Roy in a financial embezzlement case.[43]

The Police barged in and it soon resulted in high voltage drama, with Mamata Banerjee soon coming to her nephew's house, leading to heated discussions with the Police.[44]

In the process Banerjee also lost his cool, while interacting with Media.[45]

It created further political storm and mutual skirmishes, with Trinamool Congress MP Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose alleging it as being a politically motivated operation that actually resulted in no yield of any kind of evidence of wrongdoing.[46][47][48]

Trader Threat Case

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On 13 June 2026, a businessman Sanjay Kumar Singhal, from Siliguri filed a fresh criminal case against Banerjee.[49]

The FIR has been registered at Cyber police station in Siliguri Police Commissionerate. It has been registered as regards the alleged speeches of Banerjee. The complaint specifically refers to the speeches and addresses made at the Nandigram rally on March 25, 2026, public meeting and roadshow at Maheshtala on April 27, 2026, and election rally at Arambagh.[50][51]

May 2026 Attack

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On 30 May 2026, a mob attacked Banerjee in Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district at around 3 PM. Citizens including a group of women protested against him with black flags and eggs. These eggs were hurled at Abhishek Banerjee followed by physical assault. Eggs and pieces of brick were thrown at him, while Banerjee saved himself by wearing a cricket helmet given by a party worker. He was slapped, punched and physical assaulted, while slogans were continuously chanted against him.[52]

Banerjee was taken to the private hospital Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals on EM Bypass, where he was initially examined but not admitted. Then he was taken to Belle Vue Clinic at Minto Park, where he was given further evaluation. He was out of hospital at around 11 pm.[53][54]

This incidence resulted in big political controversy, with Mamata Banerjee alleging BJP for this incidence and also alleging the hospitals to working in tandem with the political masters on political and administrative pressure. In contrast, BJP has denied having any linkage to the given incidence. Instead, it has alleged Mamata Banerjee of threatening the hospital administration.[55]

5 persons have been arrested so far in the given incidence, though the BJP Government in West Bengal has called then TMC workers.[56][57]

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA or INDI Alliance), right from Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and others, has wholeheartedly supported Mamata Banerjee on this cause.[58][59]

Meanwhile Mamata has announced public protest on 02 June against the attacks on Abhishek Banerjee and Kalyan Banerjee in rapid succession.[60]

References

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  1. ↑ "Bengal coal scam: Abhishek Banerjee's wife detained at Kolkata airport, called for questioning by ED". www.indiatoday.in. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  2. ↑ "লুচি বেলতে ব্যস্ত রুজিরা, গুরু নানকের জন্মদিনে পুত্র-কন্যাকে পাশে নিয়ে লঙ্গরসেবা অভিষেক-পত্নীর". www.anandabazar.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  3. ↑ PTI (17 October 2014). "Mamata Banerjee sets stage for nephew Abhishek for bigger role in Trinamool Congress". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 14 April 2020. Entrusting Trinamool Congress MP and nephew Abhishek Banerjee with more responsibilities, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee today merged the 'Trinamool Congress Yuva' with the party's youth wing.
  4. 1 2 3 "Banerjee, Shri Abhishek". Lok Sabha. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022.
  5. ↑ Kundu, Indrajit (5 June 2021). "Trinamool Congress reshuffle: MP Abhishek Banerjee made general secretary". India Today. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  6. ↑ "Mamata appoints Abhishek Banerjee TMC as general secretary". cnbctv18.com. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  7. ↑ "Elections India - Abhishek Banerjee Biography".
  8. ↑ "Bengal coal scam: Abhishek Banerjee's wife detained at Kolkata airport, called for questioning by ED". www.indiatoday.in. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  9. ↑ "লুচি বেলতে ব্যস্ত রুজিরা, গুরু নানকের জন্মদিনে পুত্র-কন্যাকে পাশে নিয়ে লঙ্গরসেবা অভিষেক-পত্নীর". www.anandabazar.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  10. ↑ "All India Trinamool Congress Official Website".
  11. ↑ "32 newly elected under-35 MPs & what they intend to do for their constituencies". The Economic Times. 25 May 2014. Archived from the original on 20 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  12. 1 2 "Elections.in - India's First Elections Website".
  13. ↑ "Youth Parliament: What it means to have 64 MPs aged below 40". The Indian Express. As nephew of party chief Mamata Banerjee, he rose swiftly within the party. In 2011, at 23, he became national president of the All India Trinamool Youth Congress. Soon after his debut election, Banerjee was made a member of several key parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Commerce.
  14. ↑ "All India Trinamool Congress Official Website".
  15. ↑ "Abhishek sets new record in WB, wins by margin of over 7.1 lakh votes". The Times of India. 5 June 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  16. ↑ The Economic Times (6 June 2024). "Bullish Wins & Bearish Losses: Here are the key contests and results of 2024 Lok Sabha polls". Archived from the original on 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  17. ↑ "Opposition alliance named 'INDIA', 11-member coordination committee to decide on all important issues". The Times of India. 19 July 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  18. ↑ Singh, Mritunjay. "Sharad Pawar, Tejashwi, Raghav Chadha Named In I.N.D.I.A's 13-Member Coordination Panel". ABP Live. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  19. ↑ "TMC leaders are ditching Mamata, but the real reason is Abhishek Banerjee. Here's why". Money Control. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  20. ↑ "The 'Anti-Bhaipo' Sentiment In Trinamool And Making Of A Mutiny". NDTV. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  21. ↑ "'Arrogance', 'Nepotism' and Control: Why Abhishek Banerjee Has Become Rebels' Main Target [TMC Crisis Explained]". IB Times. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  22. ↑ "Choose us or Abhishek: TMC loyalist Kalyan Banerjee's ultimatum to Mamata". Ibdia Today. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  23. ↑ "'Have Magic Number, 6-7 Left With Mamata Banerjee': Rebel Trinamool MP Satabdi Roy". NDTV. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  24. ↑ "Trinamool rebellion reaches Delhi: 20 party MPs plan to form a separate bloc and support NDA". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  25. ↑ "Who's Still With Mamata Banerjee? A Look at TMC's MP Strength After Fresh Exits". Times Now. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  26. ↑ "TMC vs 'Gaddar Team': Saugata Roy slams rebel MPs, accuses them of acting at NDA's behest". New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  27. ↑ "Trinamool's Abhishek Banerjee, Wife Summoned In Money Laundering Case". The NDTV. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  28. ↑ "TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee appears before ED in money laundering case". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  29. ↑ "Mamata Banerjee's Nephew, Wife to Appear Before ED for Interrogation in Coal Scam Case". The Wire. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  30. ↑ "TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee appears before ED in connection with Bengal school jobs scam". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  31. ↑ "TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee grilled by ED for nine hours over teacher recruitment scam". The New Indian express. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  32. ↑ ""I Have Nothing To Hide": Trinamool's Abhishek Banerjee Appears Before Probe Agency". NDTV. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  33. ↑ "Abhishek Banerjee questioned by ED for 11 hours in Bengal recruitment scam". India Today. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  34. ↑ "Abhishek Banerjee leaves ED office after 11-hour questioning in teacher recruitment case". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  35. ↑ "Abhishek Banerjee faces 11-hour ED grilling in school recruitment scam probe". The Telegram. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  36. ↑ "Calcutta High Court Protects TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee From Coercive Steps In MLA Sign Forgery Case, Asks Him To Appear Before CID". Live Law. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  37. ↑ "West Bengal CID searches residence of Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool office". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  38. ↑ "CID team arrives at Mamata Banerjee's house to serve notice to Abhishek Banerjee". India Today. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  39. ↑ "CID questions TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in signature forgery probe". The Telegram. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  40. ↑ "West Bengal MLAs signature forgery case: Abhishek Banerjee appears before CID". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  41. ↑ "CID grills Abhishek Banerjee in signature forgery case, summons him again". India Today. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
  42. ↑ "Abhishek Banerjee grilled for over 5 hours by CID in signature forgery case". India Today. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  43. ↑ "West Bengal police breaks into Abhishek Banerjee's residence in early hours of June 13". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  44. ↑ "Cops Barge In, Didi Rushes: Drama At Abhishek Banerjee's Home At 2:30 am". NDTV. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  45. ↑ "Abhishek Banerjee loses cool after late-night search over questions about assistant 'hiding' at his home". Hindusthan Times. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  46. ↑ "ED Raids, Cash Under Bed: Fresh Heat On Abhishek Banerjee, Madan Mitra As TMC Crisis Deepens". News 18. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  47. ↑ "Overnight search". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  48. ↑ "India News Live: Police, central forces search Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata home for four hours, ED raids Madan Mitra's residence". Money Control. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  49. ↑ "Fresh complaints against Abhishek Banerjee over provocative remarks during polls". India Today. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  50. ↑ "Siliguri trader files complaint against Abhishek Banerjee over remarks targeting Amit Shah". New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  51. ↑ "Fresh trouble for Abhishek Banerjee: Complaint filed against TMC leader over 'provocative' remarks". The Week. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  52. ↑ "'Chor, Chor To Eggs, Stones: How Attack On Abhishek Banerjee Unfolded". NDTV. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  53. ↑ "You should be ashamed': Mamata's heated hospital exchange hours after Abhishek Banerjee faces stone pelting". Indian express. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  54. ↑ "'He could have died': Mamata vs hospital over Abhishek Banerjee's injuries after Sonarpur attack". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  55. ↑ "'Victim of state-sponsored terrorism': TMC's Abhishek Banerjee day after attack". Telegraph. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  56. ↑ "Five arrested for attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee". The Hindu. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  57. ↑ "Big Twist In Abhishek Banerjee Attack Case: Arrested Accused Linked To Ex-TMC MLA Lovely Maitrae". News 18. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  58. ↑ "R ahul Gandhi called me- Abhishek Banerjee". Times of india. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  59. ↑ "Attack On Abhishek Banerjee In Bengal Gives INDIA Bloc Fresh Momentum". NDTV. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  60. ↑ "After Abhishek Banerjee, attack against Kalyan Banerjee ignites row, Mamata to protest on June 2; BJP says reflection of public anger". ANI. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
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