Mamata Banerjee Backs NEET Protest, Vows Legal Fight to Protect Trinamool Symbol

Kolkata, July 2026 : Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced her support for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET examination paper leak, saying she was prepared to join the movement in New Delhi as part of her continued opposition to the Centre.

Addressing the Trinamool Congress’ annual July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally near Birla Planetarium in central Kolkata, Banerjee also declared that she would fight any attempt to strip her faction of the party’s name and election symbol. Her remarks come amid an ongoing dispute after the “rebel but majority” faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, staked claim to the party’s name and symbol before the Election Commission of India (ECI).

“If anyone tries to snatch our election symbol, I will not remain silent. If necessary, I will approach the Supreme Court. My fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party will continue, and I will soon resume extensive tours across West Bengal. I am also ready to join the CJP’s movement against the Union government in New Delhi,” Banerjee told party workers and supporters.

The Trinamool Congress chief reiterated her determination to rebuild the party following its heavy defeat in the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections. She ruled out any possibility of welcoming back leaders who had left the party or joined rival political groups during the political crisis.

Banerjee said the departure of several leaders had ultimately strengthened the party by removing what she described as undesirable elements. She asserted that the organisation would move forward with loyal workers and new supporters rather than those who had abandoned it during difficult times.

“It is good that those who deserted the party have left. I do not need them anymore. We will build a stronger organisation with those who stood by us and with those who choose to join us now,” she said.

The veteran leader also had a stern message for party members who remain undecided about their political future. She said anyone wishing to leave the Trinamool Congress and join the BJP was free to do so, emphasising that the party’s future rested with its young supporters and student activists.

“I have the youth and students with me. They will strengthen the party. There can be no compromise with the BJP. It is better to go to jail than compromise with the BJP because there is greater honour in standing by one’s principles,” Banerjee declared.

Her remarks signal an aggressive political strategy in the coming months, with the Trinamool Congress preparing to intensify its campaign against the BJP while also extending support to national protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.

Team Maverick.