The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has replaced Yusuf Pathan with Abhishek Banerjee to represent the party in India’s global outreach delegations after Operation Sindoor.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nominated her nephew and TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to join the delegation aimed at promoting India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism abroad.
What’s Happening?
TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee will now travel as part of a seven-party delegation visiting key world capitals to rally support against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Centre originally named Yusuf Pathan, a former cricketer turned politician, as the party’s representative without consulting TMC’s leadership.
This sparked a row, with TMC refusing to send Pathan and demanding that the party decide its own nominee.
Why Did TMC Make the Switch?
Mamata Banerjee’s decision to nominate Abhishek Banerjee signals a clear message: TMC wants full control over its representation, especially on sensitive issues like terrorism. The party called the Centre’s initial move “unilateral” and insisted it should have been involved from the start.
We’re delighted to share that our Chairperson Smt. @MamataOfficial has nominated Nat’l GS Shri @abhishekaitc to represent Trinamool Congress in the all-party delegation for India’s global outreach against terrorism.
At a time when the world must unite to confront the growing…
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 20, 2025
Abhishek Banerjee, being the de facto second-in-command in the party and closely tied to Mamata Banerjee, brings both political weight and a clear voice to the table. The party believes he can better represent Bengal’s strong stance against terrorism while strengthening India’s position globally.
“It’s like choosing the captain of the cricket team without asking the team first,” said Abhishek Banerjee in a pointed remark. And since politics and cricket are both games where teamwork matters, the analogy hits home.
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The Bigger Picture
This episode isn’t just about who’s on the delegation list. It’s a snapshot of the strained relationship between the Centre and the TMC, a party that has often positioned itself against the BJP-led government.
The TMC’s insistence on selecting its own members for such delegations also reflects a push for respect and autonomy in India’s federal setup.
The Centre, through Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, later called Mamata Banerjee to discuss the issue, and she recommended Abhishek Banerjee.
Rijiju also confirmed that the government did not formally ask parties for suggestions before naming members, sparking criticism from opposition parties like Congress as well.
What’s Next?
The delegation, including members from BJP, Congress, DMK, NCP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, and now TMC, will travel to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Their goal is clear: to present India’s firm message against terrorism, especially that linked to Pakistan.
For now, the switch has calmed the immediate row between TMC and the Centre. But it also sends a reminder that in Indian politics, even global outreach missions need careful coordination and respect among parties.
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