Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh in a cryptic post on World Turtle Day has targeted a section of his of his own party leaders for playing it safe after the party’s debacle in the recently concluded assembly polls. Mr. Ghosh, a journalist-turned-politician has won the Beleghata Assembly seat by a margin of 28,000 votes.

“Take good care of turtles. They live for a very long time—reaching a ripe old age. As long as they live, treat their seniority with respect. Learn from them. Make use of your shell; whenever you encounter trouble, retreat inside it,” Mr. Ghosh wrote on social media on Saturday (May 23, 2026). May 23, is observed across the globe as World Turtle Day.

The Trinamool Congress MLA went to say that turtles come out of their shell only when the external turmoil has subsided a bit.

“Engage with social media from the safety of your shell. Only venture out once the external turmoil has subsided a bit. Before stepping out, poke your head out first to gauge which direction to take. Then, proceed at your own pace and convenience,” he said.

When asked by media persons who was he targeting with the Turtle post, Mr. Ghosh dismissed the questions smilingly saying he was an animal lover and wanted well being of turtles.

“Tigers and lions are young; they do not possess such wisdom. Whatever you wish to learn, learn it from seniors and experienced veterans—just like the turtles. Celebrate World Turtle Day far and wide. Keep turtles protected,” the Trinamool MLA said.

After the results of the West Bengal Assembly polls were declared on May 4, several Trinamool Congress workers and leaders have been arrested. According to local media reports the arrests have crossed 80 persons, including a former Minister and several councillors.

Except her brief appearance before the Calcutta High Court, former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson has been missing in action. During a meeting of elected MLAs at Ms. Banerjee’s residence, Mr. Ghosh had asked the party leadership to get down from their high horse and analyse the reasons for the defeat.

Kunal Ghosh, a former Rajya Sabha MP have had a tumultuous relationship with Trinamool Congress. He was arrested by the West Bengal police for his alleged involvement in Saradha scam in 2013 and had over 80 FIRs were registered against him. After spending nearly three years behind bars and having been cleared of charges in the chit fund scam, Mr. Ghosh returned to the Trinamool Congress.

Even before the West Bengal assembly polls, Mr Ghosh who has been the most vocal critics of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had criticised a section of party leaders of being selective in criticism of the saffron party.