The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a wave of resignations from more than 100 local councillors and several members of parliament [1].
This exodus threatens the stability of the party in its primary stronghold of West Bengal. The departures follow a defeat in the state assembly elections in March 2024, which has triggered a crisis of confidence among the party rank and file [1].
Internal turmoil has been exacerbated by disputes over leadership and a signature-forgery case [2]. Members said accusations of arrogance among senior leaders were a primary driver for their departures [2]. The instability reached the national level, where three Rajya Sabha MPs left the party within a six-day window [2].
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the party must maintain unity to stem the losses. As part of an effort to stabilize the organization during this period, the party reinstated Kalyan Banerjee as the TMC chief whip in the Lok Sabha on June 6, 2024 [3].
Despite these efforts, the party remains divided. Reports indicate that the TMC is seeking an opposition alliance to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) [2]. However, other political entities, including the Congress and Left parties, have reportedly rejected the TMC's offer to form such an alliance [2].
This internal collapse comes as the party attempts to navigate the aftermath of the state election setback. The loss of local councillors significantly weakens the party's grassroots infrastructure, a critical component for maintaining political control in the region [1].
“More than 100 local councillors have stepped down.”
The mass exodus of local officials and national legislators suggests a systemic breakdown in the TMC's internal cohesion following its electoral defeat. By losing both grassroots councillors and parliamentary representation, the party's ability to negotiate as a primary opposition force is diminished, particularly if potential allies like the Congress and Left parties continue to reject their overtures.
