The Trinamool Congress descends into chaos as a rebel faction appoints its own leadership and suspends Abhishek Banerjee. Explore how the internal revolt is now threatening Mamata Banerjee’s authority, signaling a potential permanent split within the organization.The Trinamool Congress descends into chaos as a rebel faction appoints its own leadership and suspends Abhishek Banerjee. Explore how the internal revolt is now threatening Mamata Banerjee’s authority, signaling a potential permanent split within the organization.
A major political storm has erupted within the All India Trinamool Congress after a rebel faction of party leaders and MLAs announced the appointment of Arup Roy as chairperson of what they describe as the “real TMC,” directly challenging the authority of Mamata Banerjee.
What Happened?
According to reports, the rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee held a separate meeting attended by several MLAs, councillors, and senior leaders. During the meeting, the faction announced a parallel organizational structure, naming Arup Roy as chairperson and suspending Abhishek Banerjee from their newly formed setup.
The rebel group claims it has the support of around 60–65 MLAs and intends to approach the Election Commission to seek recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress.
Why Arup Roy?
Arup Roy is a four-time MLA from Howrah and a senior TMC leader who served as a minister in the West Bengal government. His appointment is being viewed as an attempt by the rebel faction to project experienced leadership and organizational continuity rather than forming an entirely new political outfit.
Mamata Camp Hits Back
Leaders loyal to Mamata Banerjee have dismissed the development as politically insignificant. Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh reportedly described the rebel gathering as a “comedy show” and reiterated that the Trinamool Congress remains synonymous with Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
The dispute is also expected to move into legal and electoral arenas, where questions regarding party constitution, leadership legitimacy, organizational control, and party symbols may ultimately be decided.
Why This Matters
This is arguably the most serious internal challenge Mamata Banerjee has faced since founding the TMC in 1998. The rebellion comes after the party’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections and follows a series of setbacks, including court developments involving rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee and growing divisions within the party’s legislative wing.
If the rebel faction succeeds in demonstrating majority support among elected representatives, the battle could evolve into a formal party split with significant implications for the political landscape of West Bengal. For now, both camps are claiming legitimacy, setting the stage for a prolonged political and legal confrontation.
