Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has defended party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee against allegations of nepotism.
While Abhishek initially benefited from his family connection to party chief Mamata Banerjee, he has since established himself through years of political and organisational work, Mahua told Hindustan Times.
Abhishek received his first Lok Sabha ticket in 2014 due to his relationship with Mamata, but has since been elected thrice, become National General Secretary, and done organisational work for the party.
Mahua's remarks come at a time when the TMC is facing one of the biggest internal challenges in its history, with a series of resignations and defections by senior leaders.
Many of them have cited dissatisfaction with the party's functioning and Abhishek's growing influence, but Mahua argues that he has 'paid his dues' and earned his place in the party.
