Born in Resistance, Rooted in Maa, Mati, Manush: Trinamool Renews Its Fight for Bengal

Kolkata, January 1: Trinamool Congress marked its Foundation Day on Wednesday. They recalled the moment in 1998 when the party was born out of protest. The party was born from political conviction. The Trinamool Congress was founded on January 1, 1998. Mamata Banerjee established it after she broke away from the Indian National Congress. She cited ideological differences and the need for a stronger regional voice to protect Bengal’s interests.

Link of X account post of Abhishek Banerjee: https://x.com/abhishekaitc/status/2006591341397250374

Nearly three decades ago, a movement began as a resistance against centralised political control. Since then, it has evolved into the state’s most dominant political force. On the occasion, party National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee issued a message. His words blended remembrance, gratitude, and renewed political resolve. In his statement, Banerjee bowed his head in gratitude to what he described as the party’s “ever-expanding family.” He reflected on the early days of the Trinamool Congress. At that time, the party emerged as a platform for change. It was driven by street protests, grassroots mobilisation, and a direct connection with ordinary people. According to him, that founding spirit remains the party’s greatest strength even today. Banerjee reserved his strongest words for the party’s grassroots workers, calling them the real authors of Trinamool’s political story. He acknowledged their discipline, sacrifices, and unshaken faith. He noted that their continuous presence on the ground has sustained the party through political challenges. Their perseverance has helped in electoral battles and periods of intense confrontation.

Banerjee reaffirmed the party’s ideological foundation of “Maa, Mati, Manush.” He said Trinamool’s politics is inseparable from Bengal’s land, people, and cultural identity. He asserted that as long as the party remains rooted in these values, no force can defeat the collective will of Bengal’s people. Bengal’s people’s will cannot be defeated. Not even if they are “however arrogant or oppressive.” The message also carried a sharp political undertone. Banerjee warned against what he termed “Bangla-Birodhi zamindari powers,” accusing them of attempting to harass, humiliate, and intimidate citizens. No rival party was mentioned by name. However, the remarks were widely seen as a criticism. They were interpreted as targeting forces perceived to be hostile to Bengal’s democratic and cultural autonomy.

He concluded by renewing the party’s pledge to stand beside the people. He promised to protect their democratic voice. He vowed to ensure that no individual in Bengal feels threatened for expressing dissent. As the Trinamool Congress completes another year since its formation, the Foundation Day is not just a celebration. It reminds us of its origins—born from resistance. It is sustained by people and driven by the promise of safeguarding democracy in Bengal.