Nephew Abhishek Banerjee absent at CM Mamata Banerjee’s swearing-in ceremony

KOLKATA: As expected, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s swearing-in ceremony on Friday had the usual pomp and show. But, there was a notable absentee: Abhishek Banerjee, Didi’s favourite nephew. Abhishek’s decision of staying away from his aunt’s oath taking ceremony on Red Road not only caused embarrassment for his party Trinamool Congress; but has also triggered speculation in political circles.

After Didi’s emphatic victory over the united Opposition in Bengal, Abhishek is being rumoured to be the heir apparent; the future of the party. Popularly known as the ‘Yuvraj’ of Trinamool, Abhishek was present all over the city in posters, cut-outs and hoardings. But, was conspicuous by his absence from the venue on the ‘historic day’.

Even though, senior leaders in the party downplayed his absence saying many MPs did not attend the event, one of the tweets by Abhishek created a ripple in political corners. On May 26, a day before the oath taking

ceremony, the MP from Diamond Harbour tweeted, “Morality of Principles Vs Morality of Loyalty!!! Tough Call!!!!!.” This unclear and outof-context tweet has created a flutter in political circles.

Despite several attempts, Banerjee was not available to comment on his tweet. His absence from the event might be a minor deviation, but Didi has clearly been projecting her nephew within the party.

Even though , dynasty politics in Bengal is a rare phenomenon and Didi is known to have fought her way to success; her 28-year-old nephew took a little less than four years to be amongst the party’s ivy league. Party sources maintain that he enjoys an unquestionable clout inside the party .