KOLKATA :

 

AMID a growing chorus of dissent within the TMC after its loss of power in West Bengal, party supremo Mamata Banerjee has penned a new poem titled ‘Girgiti’, which political observers believe carries a veiled message for leaders who have recently turned critical of the organisation. The poem ‘Girgiti’ (Chameleon), apparently aims at people who frequently change their loyalties, beliefs and positions for personal gain, drawing a parallel with a chameleon known for changing colours. In the poem, Banerjee, the former chief minister, wrote that some people are “more dangerous than a chameleon” as they alter their character and allegiances within hours to serve their financial interests and personal ambitions.

 

“How much more do you want to change your character? How much bribery at your feet? How much more do you want to change yourselves?” the poem asks, in what many within political circles interpreted as a swipe at leaders who have recently distanced themselves from the TMC. The poem comes at a time when several party leaders have publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the organisation, raised allegations related to corruption and questioned internal functioning. The discontent has also been accompanied by a series of resignations from party posts in recent weeks. Without naming anyone, Banerjee’s poem laments what it describes as the erosion of gratitude, moral values and human sensitivity in public life.

 

It suggests that some individuals conveniently alter relationships, ideologies and convictions whenever circumstances change. The poem further argues that expressions of loyalty and hostility are often dictated by self-interest, and questions whether such individuals ever introspect their actions.