Mamata Banerjee, leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), suffered an electoral defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections in May 2024 [1].
The loss removes the TMC from power and marks a significant shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. This defeat has prompted widespread speculation regarding whether the party is facing a major internal crisis or is potentially falling apart [2].
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set for a historic victory, potentially forming its first government in West Bengal [3]. Analysts said the result was driven by a combination of strong BJP campaigning and voter anger [4].
This outcome ends a period where the TMC had been in power for 15 years [5]. The defeat follows a pattern of electoral challenges for Banerjee, who previously lost the Nandigram contest in 2021 [6].
Internal tensions are now surfacing within the TMC. Some analysts said that the crisis is being driven by internal rifts, a weak organizational structure, and a lack of second-rung leaders [4]. There is also reported dissent against Abhishek Banerjee [4].
Other perspectives emphasize the external factors of the campaign. Some observers said the BJP's strong campaign was the primary reason for the TMC's loss [3]. These conflicting views highlight a party struggling to identify the core cause of its collapse as it transitions to the opposition.
“The TMC had been in power for 15 years before the 2024 defeat.”
The TMC's defeat represents a collapse of a long-term political hegemony in West Bengal. The transition from a dominant ruling party to an opposition role often exacerbates existing internal fractures, particularly regarding leadership succession and the role of Abhishek Banerjee. If the party cannot resolve these internal rifts, it risks further fragmentation, while the BJP's first government in the state will likely prioritize dismantling the previous administration's organizational influence.
