Reshuffle in Trinamool Congress: Abhishek Banerjee becomes national general secretary, Saayoni Ghosh to lead party’s youth wing

There was a massive overhaul in the Trinamool Congress on Saturday, with MP Abhishek Banerjee announced the national general secretary of the party. The post was earlier held by Mukul Roy, and was lying vacant since his exit from the party.

Mamata Banerjee herself is the chairperson of the Trinamool Congress and party MP Abhishek Banerjee – her nephew – holding the other important position nationally, is being seen as particularly significant in the coming days, as he seems more in control of the party’s affairs. Mamata Banerjee on the other hand, appears more focused on the state’s administrative matters, being the chief minister. Saturday’s announcement thus seems to be a stamp of approval and recognition that Abhishek Banerjee will be more important in the party matters in the coming days.

The other important announcement today was Sayoni Ghosh becoming the head of Trinamool Congress’ youth wing, a position held so far by Abhishek Banerjee. Ghosh, an actor, who joined Trinamool Congress just ahead of the Assembly election 2021, lost to Bharatiya Janata Party’s Agnimitra Paul from Asansol South constituency. Despite losing in the polls, Ghosh is being seen as a face of the “young” and “new” Trinamool Congress, party insiders say.

Other important changes include Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar heading the women’s wing of the party, INTTUC – the party’s trade union – to be led by Ritabrata Banerjee, the farmers’ wing to be led by Purnendu Bose and the cultural wing to be led by Raj Chakraborty.

There has been a focus this time on a leader in the party getting one responsible position – which means a minister would not be heading the party’s affairs in a particular district and vice versa.