The Trinamool Congress is facing a deepening internal crisis as senior leaders defect to a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay [1].
This turmoil threatens the stability of the party's control in West Bengal, as the rift pits the party's established grassroots leadership against the rising influence of Abhishek Banerjee.
Senior leaders within the party allege leadership failures and intimidation by Abhishek Banerjee [2]. The tension has escalated into a formal challenge for party control, with rebels taking their grievances to the Election Commission [1]. A rebel faction comprising 58 MLAs has backed Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay for the role of Leader of Opposition [3].
Mamata Banerjee has defended her nephew against these accusations. "He's fighting like a tiger," Banerjee said [2]. She has attributed the internal instability to external interference, stating that the BJP engineered the defections [2]. In a critique of the defecting members, she said, "I apologise on behalf of the traitors" [2].
While the party leadership blames outside forces, other perspectives suggest the conflict is internal. A political analyst said the revolt is not about Mamata Banerjee, but is specifically about Abhishek Banerjee [3].
In response to the unrest, Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee have returned to grassroots outreach to shore up support [4]. This strategy includes a reduction in the role of I-PAC, the political consultancy firm previously central to the party's strategy [4]. The conflict remains centered in Kolkata and the West Bengal Legislative Assembly [1, 3].
“"He's fighting like a tiger."”
The conflict represents a fundamental struggle over the succession and administrative direction of the TMC. By siding with Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee is signaling a transition toward a familial leadership structure, which is alienating veteran leaders who view this as a bypass of traditional party hierarchy. The outcome of the dispute at the Election Commission will determine whether the party remains a monolithic entity or splits into two competing factions in West Bengal.
