India has seen a lot many political families ruling at the centre or in the states. But it is rare when the party itself projects the second or later generation leader as the ‘yuvraj’ (the prince). But after its huge victory in Bengal, the TMC has started doing exactly that. I’s student wing (Trinamul Chhatra Parishad) has released a song titled ‘Banglar yuvaraj Abhishek’. It has been released in all online platforms, and many TMC workers are likely to use it as the ringtone for their mobile phones.
Abhishek has emerged as undisputed number two of the TMC this year. The BJP targeted him as a ‘corrupt man’ who was being protected by her Pisi (aunt). The ‘pisi-bhaipo’ was the most-used refrain in the recent assembly elections in Bengal. But the largest chunk of the voters (48 per cent) rejected the political accusation not substantiated by evidence. It has helped Abhishek to earn his stature, for it was he who led the charge against the BJP stalwarts like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and J P Nadda as second-in-command of the TMC during the campaign.
Abhishek himself has said he would not take any ministerial berth in Bengal in the next 20 years and would work for strengthening the party organization. But 20 years is a long time. Mamata Banerjee is now 66-year old, and she would cross 80 by then. Even if she can still lead the ministry, her ability to campaign all through the state will not be as much as she does now. “So, Abhishek needs to be projected as the ‘yavaraj’ from now,” feels TMC insiders.
The song ‘Banglar yuvaraj Abhishek’ praises the 33-year-old young man hugely. The song, written by Badal Pal and sung by Keshab Das, both associated with the TMC, describes him as the ‘god of the poor’ and ‘protector of the women’. Trinankur Bhattacharya, the top leader of the student wing, told the press that the way Abhishek Banerjee has led the party during the elections against all odds has inspired all, and has become an example for the party. They have come up with this new song, he added, to keep up the ‘fighting spirit’ shown by the young leader.
Earlier, this sort of praise was reserved in the party only for Mamata Banerjee. But now Abhishek has started sharing the eulogy offered by the party workers. It surely has the blessings of the top leader. In a family-run party, it is only natural that the top leader puts maximum faith in the second man from the family. Abhishek is now enjoying that ‘glory’.