‘Arrest me if you want’: Mamata Banerjee says TMC will hold protest on June 2 ‘even without police permission’

‘Arrest me if you want’: Mamata Banerjee Vows to Continue Protests Amid Police Hurdles

Arrest me if you want – Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee has declared her party’s resolve to proceed with a planned protest in Kolkata, despite the police refusing to grant approval. The event, scheduled for June 2, will address grievances related to alleged attacks on TMC members and the ongoing Railways’ hawker eviction initiative, according to a report by PTI. Banerjee emphasized her party’s determination, stating that it would not be deterred by the lack of formal permissions or logistical support.

Unyielding Commitment to Demonstrate

Banerjee’s remarks came as she highlighted the challenges faced by her party in recent months. She argued that democratic processes are being undermined, with authorities obstructing legitimate protests. “If we are not allowed to hold a dharna there, I will sit wherever I am stopped. I am ready to be arrested,” she asserted in a statement, underscoring her defiance against any attempts to suppress dissent.

“The TMC will hold its protest on June 2 even without police permission, microphones or a stage. If we are not allowed to protest in Kolkata, we will protest in Delhi,” Banerjee was quoted as saying.

Her comments reflect a broader frustration with the administrative actions taken against her party. Banerjee claimed that the police have been actively preventing TMC from organizing demonstrations in central Kolkata, where the party aims to spotlight issues such as hawker evictions and alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. She also pointed to the recent attacks on party leaders and workers, which she said have left many in fear.

Victims of Political Aggression

The report cited by PTI noted that Banerjee stated 12 TMC workers had been killed since the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with thousands of activists arrested. Many others, she claimed, had been forced to abandon their homes due to the heightened tension. “Democratic protests were being obstructed,” she said, accusing the authorities of using force to silence opposition voices.

Banerjee emphasized that the situation has escalated beyond mere political differences, with the government employing intimidation tactics to weaken her party’s influence. She argued that the Railways’ eviction drive has disproportionately affected hawkers and small traders, who have been left without adequate compensation or relocation plans. “Common people are living in fear,” she stated, highlighting the social impact of these measures.

BJP’s Tactics and Internal Turmoil

Banerjee also criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its alleged use of money and power to manipulate defections within the TMC. This accusation followed a wave of political unrest in her party, triggered by the expulsion of two Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) for engaging in anti-party activities. Reports indicated that several other leaders had been in contact with BJP officials, further complicating the internal dynamics of the TMC.

Despite these challenges, Banerjee insisted that the departure of members was driven by personal gains rather than genuine ideological shifts. She argued that such defections would ultimately strengthen the party by purging individuals who had prioritized self-interest over collective goals. However, the recent cancellation of a meeting with TMC MLAs—where only 20 of the 80 legislators attended—has raised concerns about the party’s cohesion.

Focus on Abhishek Banerjee

Banerjee turned her attention to her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary, accusing the BJP of targeting him due to his rising political stature. She claimed that Abhishek had recently been subjected to an attack in Sonarpur, a southern suburb of Kolkata, where an angry crowd pelted him with eggs and stones. The incident occurred when he visited the family of a TMC worker allegedly killed in post-poll violence.

“I know these people very well. Those who have no ideology or principles cannot dictate terms to us,” Banerjee said, responding to a message she received suggesting that some leaders would return to the TMC if Abhishek were removed from leadership.

Banerjee alleged that the police were complicit in the BJP’s efforts to intimidate opposition supporters. She accused the government of using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a tool to weaken TMC’s presence in the state. “Democratic institutions are being misused,” she said, adding that the BJP’s actions have created a climate of fear among activists and voters.

Impact on Party and Public Perception

The TMC supremo’s statements have intensified the debate over the party’s strategy in the face of adversity. While she frames the protests as a necessary response to government overreach, critics argue that her boldness may also serve as a way to rally support ahead of upcoming elections. Banerjee’s focus on individual accountability, particularly of Abhishek, has drawn attention to the personal stakes involved in the political conflict.

Her claims about the BJP’s tactics have been echoed by other opposition figures, who see the party as increasingly aggressive in its approach to consolidating power. The incident in Sonarpur, where Abhishek was physically assaulted, has become a symbol of the growing tensions between the two parties. Banerjee’s insistence on holding the protest without police permission underscores her belief in the legitimacy of TMC’s cause, even if it means facing potential arrests.

As the TMC prepares to challenge the status quo, the question remains whether its resolve will inspire public support or deepen divisions. Banerjee’s defiance has positioned her as a central figure in the opposition movement, but the party’s ability to execute its plans without formal approval will be a critical test of its organizational strength. With the June 2 protest looming, the TMC aims to demonstrate that its campaign for justice and accountability will not be easily silenced.