A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress removed party chairperson Mamata Banerjee and suspended national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday [1, 2].

This leadership split threatens the stability of one of India's most influential regional parties following a period of electoral decline. The move creates two competing power centers within the organization, complicating its ability to govern or contest future elections in West Bengal.

The faction elected senior MLA Arup Roy as the new chairperson [1, 2]. This restructuring took place during a special session held in Kolkata [2]. The rebel group acted after the Trinamool Congress suffered a defeat in the March 2024 West Bengal Assembly elections [1, 2].

Internal crisis within the party was triggered by the loss in those state elections, which prompted the faction to challenge the existing leadership [1]. By removing Banerjee and suspending her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, the group has attempted to dismantle the established hierarchy of the party [1, 2].

The Trinamool Congress was founded in 1998 [2]. For decades, it has remained a dominant force in West Bengal politics, but the current rift represents a significant break in that continuity.

The rebel group has unveiled this parallel leadership as a direct response to the party's recent performance [2]. The suspension of the general secretary further isolates the previous administration from the party's national operational wing [1].

“A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress removed party chairperson Mamata Banerjee”

The emergence of a parallel leadership structure suggests a fundamental breakdown in the Trinamool Congress's internal dispute resolution. By electing Arup Roy and suspending high-ranking officials, the rebel faction is not merely requesting policy changes but is attempting a total seizure of party identity. This split likely leads to legal battles over party symbols and names, while potentially weakening the party's consolidated hold on the West Bengal electorate.