Kolkata: In a significant development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has nominated All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to represent the party in an all-party delegation for India's global outreach against terrorism. This decision, revealed on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, follows a controversy surrounding the initial selection of TMC MP Yusuf Pathan for the delegation without consulting the party leadership.

The nomination of Abhishek Banerjee, who is also a Lok Sabha MP, came after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju contacted Mamata Banerjee to seek her suggestion for a TMC representative. This outreach aimed to resolve the impasse created by the Centre's initial unilateral decision regarding Pathan's inclusion.

TMC sources indicate that Rijiju's call was an attempt to "pacify" Mamata Banerjee, who had vociferously protested against the government's decision to name Yusuf Pathan without consulting the party. Mamata Banerjee had asserted that the Centre could not unilaterally decide on the TMC's representative, emphasizing that it is the party's prerogative to choose its nominee.

The Trinamool Congress officially announced Abhishek Banerjee's nomination on X, stating, "We're delighted to share that our Chairperson Smt. @MamataOfficial has nominated Nat'l GS Shri @abhishekaitc to represent Trinamool Congress in the all-party delegation for India's global outreach against terrorism." The party further emphasized that Abhishek Banerjee's inclusion "brings both conviction and clarity to the table" and will "strengthen India's collective voice on the global stage."

Sources within the TMC have highlighted that Abhishek Banerjee's appointment adds significant political weight to the Trinamool's representation in the delegation. As the party's National General Secretary and second-in-command after Mamata Banerjee, his participation underscores the seriousness with which the TMC views the issue of counter-terrorism. His international exposure through this delegation could also enhance his leadership credentials.

The multi-party delegation is part of "Operation Sindoor" which is a broader initiative to counter global misinformation and highlight India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. The delegation comprises Members of Parliament from various parties, divided into seven groups, each led by a designated leader. These groups are scheduled to visit different countries to convey India's united message against terrorism.

Abhishek Banerjee himself has affirmed the TMC's commitment to standing "shoulder to shoulder with the Union government" in the fight against terror. However, he also stressed that the Centre cannot unilaterally decide who represents the TMC in such delegations. He had earlier attended a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, where he conveyed this sentiment.

The government's initial decision to include Yusuf Pathan without consulting the TMC had drawn criticism from the party, leading to Pathan's withdrawal from the delegation. The Congress party had also raised similar concerns, although their members ultimately decided to remain part of the delegations.

With Abhishek Banerjee's nomination, the Trinamool Congress has reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism while also asserting its right to be consulted in matters of national importance. This move is expected to strengthen India's collective voice against terrorism on the global stage.