Why Sena (UBT) is backing Mamata Banerjee amid fresh legal heat

As the TMC faces internal rebellion and an FIR against its chief, Sanjay Raut has turned the spotlight on what he calls selective legal targeting.

The political corridors of Kolkata are buzzing, not just with the murmurs of dissent within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), but with the sharp echoes of a fresh FIR lodged against Mamata Banerjee. The case, which stems from a speech delivered on March 9, alleges that the West Bengal Chief Minister made remarks capable of inciting communal unrest and disturbing public order. For a party already grappling with reports of mounting rebel MP numbers and strategic outreach from the BJP, this legal hurdle adds a layer of volatility to an already turbulent season.

Stepping into the fray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has mounted a spirited defence of the TMC chief. Speaking to reporters this Sunday, Raut dismissed the FIR as an exercise in political intimidation. He argued that the legal machinery is being selectively deployed, pointing to a pattern where Opposition leaders face immediate scrutiny while similar, or even more incendiary, rhetoric from the ruling party remains untouched.

A question of selective justice

Raut’s critique didn't stop at the FIR. He pointedly questioned why no such legal action was ever initiated against BJP leaders for their past campaign speeches. Specifically, he invoked the name of former Union minister Anurag Thakur, asking why authorities have been hesitant to file cases against him for remarks that were widely criticised as provocative.

"Mamata Banerjee is a fighter politician," Raut stated, framing the move as a desperate attempt by political rivals to isolate her. He insisted that the TMC chief is not one to be easily cowed by legal notices, and he signaled that the broader Opposition bloc remains committed to standing by her as she navigates this latest challenge. Whether the FIR is a precursor to a larger legal battle or merely a pressure tactic, the Sena (UBT) leader’s intervention underscores the growing narrative of central agency overreach that the Opposition continues to highlight.

Why it matters: The bigger picture

This development is symptomatic of a shifting political landscape where judicial and investigative actions are increasingly viewed through the lens of electoral strategy. For the TMC, the timing is particularly precarious; as the party contends with internal turmoil and a shifting balance of power, any legal blow against its leader serves to embolden dissidents.

The pattern here is clear: legal challenges are no longer just about the law—they are tools for political positioning. By rallying around Banerjee, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is attempting to consolidate the Opposition's stance against what they perceive as a "selective" application of the law. As the TMC manages its internal house and the BJP seeks to capitalise on the party's current instability, the courtroom has effectively become an extension of the campaign trail.