Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Resignation: ‘Was Not Informed’ – West Bengal Congress Chief Responsible Mallikarjun for His Removal on 29th July

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had been expelled from his position without educating him, at an assembly on Monday, when a colleague of his alluded to the ‘former president’ of West Bengal.

In a surprising turn of events, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the long-serving leader of the Congress party in West Bengal, has resigned from his post. This development has sparked significant controversy within the party, as Chowdhury claims he was not informed about the decision to remove him and has pointed fingers at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for orchestrating his ouster.

The Resignation Announcement

Chowdhury, known for his vocal and often critical stance against both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his own party’s high command, announced his resignation at a press conference in Kolkata. “I was not informed about this decision. It came as a shock to me,” Chowdhury stated. He expressed his dismay at the lack of communication and transparency within the party, emphasising that his removal was handled in a manner that lacked the basic courtesy of informing him beforehand.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury: Pillar of West Bengal Congress

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has been a key figure in the Congress party in West Bengal for many years. He became a party member in 1991 during Rajiv Gandhi’s premiership. In the same year, he ran for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from Nabagram Constituency. Fast forward to October 28, 2012, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Railways during Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister. His leadership skills were further recognized when he assumed the role of President of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress on February 10, 2014.

 His leadership has been marked by his relentless efforts to revive the party’s fortunes in a state dominated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and increasingly accused by the BJP. Amidst various difficulties such as dwindling support from voters and internal discord, Chowdhury has remained a constant presence. He frequently represents the party in the state and functions as a link between the state unit and the central leadership.

Allegations Against Mallikarjun Kharge

In his resignation statement, Chowdhury did not hold back from expressing his disappointment with the central leadership, particularly Mallikarjun Kharge. He accused Kharge of being the mastermind behind his removal, suggesting that the decision was influenced by internal politics and personal biases. “It is clear that this was not a collective decision but rather a move orchestrated by Kharge to sideline me,” Chowdhury asserted.

The allegations made by Chowdhury have caused internal discord within the Congress party. This comes at a time when the party is facing challenges in maintaining unity, particularly with the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Election involving a triangular contest with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Congress-Left alliance, and the BJP. Despite the party’s efforts, the last election resulted in TMC winning 29 seats, BJP securing 12 seats, and Congress managing to secure only 1 seat. Moreover, the accusations against Kharge, a prominent leader, may further deepen the existing rift within the party and affect its ability to present a united front in the upcoming elections.

Reaction from Congress Leadership

The Congress party’s central leadership has been relatively silent on the issue, with only a few leaders commenting on the matter. Sources within the party suggest that the decision to remove Chowdhury was taken to bring in new leadership and revitalize the party’s prospects in West Bengal. However, the manner in which the decision was communicated, or rather not communicated, to Chowdhury has raised questions about the internal processes and the respect accorded to senior leaders.

Mallikarjun Kharge, when approached for a comment, refrained from addressing the allegations directly. “Decisions within the party are taken after thorough discussions and in the best interest of our objectives. Personal accusations and public statements do not help our cause,” he stated, urging party members to maintain discipline and focus on collective goals.

Implications for West Bengal Congress

Chowdhury’s resignation and the ensuing controversy could have significant implications for the Congress party’s future in West Bengal. With the state set to witness crucial assembly elections in the coming years, the party needs a strong and cohesive leadership, who supports Mamata Banerjee, the INDI Alliance and the West Bengal Chief Minister, to counter the formidable challenge posed by the BJP.

The removal of Chowdhury, who has been a key strategist and campaigner, might create a leadership vacuum that could be difficult to fill. Moreover, the internal strife and public allegations could demoralize the party’s cadre and supporters, further weakening its position in the state.

Support and Opposition within the Party

Chowdhury’s resignation has elicited mixed reactions from within the party. While some leaders have expressed solidarity with him and criticized the central leadership for its handling of the matter, others believe that a change in leadership was necessary to rejuvenate the party’s prospects. 

A senior Congress leader from West Bengal, speaking on the condition of anonymity, remarked, “Adhir da has been a pillar of strength for the party, but we also need to adapt and bring in new strategies to face the evolving political landscape. This change, though abrupt, might be a step in that direction.”

Conclusion

The resignation of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury marks a significant and contentious moment in the Congress party’s journey in West Bengal. As the party navigates this internal crisis, it faces the dual challenge of managing its internal dynamics and preparing for future electoral battles. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the party can overcome this setback and emerge stronger, or if it will further fragment, weakening its position in a politically vibrant and critical state.