AUNT, HEIR AND THE BATTLE FOR BENGAL

As West Bengal heads into polls, TMC's Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee navigate politics with discipline

- BY SWATI CHATURVEDI | Special to Gulf News

“Mamata Di and Abhishek are a remarkable combination. While growing up, this young man was mentored — and still is — by one of the world’s most respected public figures: his aunt. Over the past month, India and the world have seen something which Bengal already knows, and knows well. Trinamool’s chairperson and national general secretary are a skilled duo who work for the public good with sincerity, maturity, and humility.” This is according to Derek O’Brien, Trinamool Congress (TMC) parliamentary leader in the Rajya Sabha, on the relationship between Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.

This might be the first time a senior TMC leader has gone on record about this key political and familial bond — particularly one who knows both parties so well.

O’Brien, a significant figure within the TMC, is known for his media reticence. He routinely turns down interview requests and steers clear of the typical political compulsion for self-promotion. Perhaps that's why he still resides in a modest block of flats in Delhi, sharing space with other party colleagues.

An election like no other