Taking ‘break from org’ for medical reasons: Abhishek
Times of India | 13 June 2024
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee announced in a post on X on Wednesday that he would take a break from the party organisation “due to pressing medical reasons”.
Abhishek also said he hoped Bengal govt would prioritise its poll promises to pay Awas Yojana beneficiaries — trapped in Centre-state crossfire — from the state exchequer.The Trinamool neta’s statement came after Diamond Harbour elected him to Lok Sabha with a vote margin of 7.1 lakh, the highest in Bengal.
“In light of some pressing medical reasons, I will be taking a short hiatus from the organisation. This time off will be an opportunity for me to humbly explore and understa-nd the needs of our people and community. I trust that GoWB will act swiftly and leave no stone unturned to ensure just-ice for those in need,” he wrote.
Abhishek added: “I am profoundly grateful to the people of Bengal for their trust and faith in us. The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections reflect the anger and frustration of the people, especially regarding the neglect of basic housing rights due to the state-Centre conflict. We have committed to addressing this by December 31st, and I have already requested the HCM and relevant authorities of GoWB to prioritize this issue.”
“Last year around this time, I had the opportunity to participate in NABOJOWAR Yatra and traveled across West Bengal to understand the issues and challenges faced by people on the ground. Witnessing firsthand the hardships caused by RISING PRICES and the stoppage of MGNREGA dues deeply affected me,” he wrote, adding: “In response, Trinamool Congress organised statewide protests and took the matter to Delhi to fight for people’s rights. Thankfully, this was addressed in February, along with an increase in financial assistance through the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to help families.”
In Feb, CM Mamata Banerjee announced that Bengal would pay all 56 lakh MGNREGA scheme beneficiaries who had not been given their dues under the central scheme. CM Banerjee also doubled the monthly payments under Lakshmir Bhandar from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for general category and Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 for the SC/ST category. Both these moves were integral to the party’s poll pitch. Trinamool went on to win 29 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal, compared to BJP’s 12.
In Oct 2016, Abhishek had survived a major road accident on the Durgapur Expressway off Singur when the vehicle in which he was travelling collided with a milk van. Abhishek had lost consciousness and suffered a massive injury to his left eye.
He has been under prolonged treatment in India and abroad. In Oct 2022, he underwent a surgery at Johns Hopkins in the US. Abhishek’s post, however, did not indicate whether the medical reason was related to his eye treatment.