Abhishek bats for a free, vibrant press at Bijoya meet
The Statesman | 18 October 2025Abhishek chatted with the journalists over many current topics. He wrote on X: “Today, I had the pleasure of engaging with members of the media in an informal meet-and-greet session. It was an opportunity to exchange perspectives, listen to insights from seasoned journalists and share our vision for Bengal’s growth and development.
“A free and vibrant press is the backbone of any democracy, and I deeply value the role each journalist plays in keeping the public informed, holding institutions accountable, and strengthening the fabric of our society. Constructive dialogue with the media is essential and I remain committed to fostering transparency, openness, and collaboration at every level.”
At the gathering ministers Snehasis Chakraborty and Shashi Panja and MPs Partha Bhowmick and Derek O’Brien were also present.
On being pointed out about the a few new inductions in the TMC at various levels during the Bijoya Sammelanis in the state, sources said that names which had a clear track record were inducted and also hinted that in the run up to the election, some more names might also join, including some big names.
Few weeks back former Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee held a closed-door meeting with Abhishek, sparking speculation over his return to active politics. “The meeting was happening after seven-odd years and Sovan was apologetic about his leaving the party,” said a source.
Today, Sovan Chatterjee was appointed as chairman of the Newtown Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA).
The issue of implementation of special intensive revision (SIR) naturally was the hot topic. The TMC national general secretary said the party will formally launch its protest from the beginning of next month. Though everyone speculated on what might be its impact in Bengal, party leaders felt that the Centre’s focus is Bengal and not Bihar.
Focussed on the Assembly election, Abhishek harped on the organisational changes being brought about in the block and district levels within the party. The party has rewarded leaders who have done work and shown good results and removed names of people, who have not made any significant contribution. Performance has been the sole criteria and not under whose leadership they have been working. “People who were there for a long time, without any significant results, were removed from the posts. Even if someone has any difference of opinion with me but has done good work, has been rewarded,” said sources.
Talking about his takeaways from ‘Trinamoole Nabo Jowar’, Abhishek said for people it is the basic necessities, which matter and not corruption. “Water, electricity, and roads are issues which matter to them. They have come to me with their problems,” said party seniors.
The Diamond Harbour MP, who has been appointed as the party leader in the Lok Sabha, is leading the fight in the Parliament. “TMC’s presence in Parliament is an important aspect and the party has shown a strong presence in the last few days of the Monsoon Session, where the MPs protested the SIR in both the Houses,” said sources.
