The political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress has escalated dramatically, with rebel Members of Parliament preparing to approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek recognition as the “real Trinamool Congress.” The development marks the most serious internal challenge faced by the party in recent years and raises questions about its unity ahead of crucial political battles.
The rebel faction, led by TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, is expected to meet Speaker Om Birla on Monday. According to MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, nearly 20 MPs are associated with the dissident group and are expected to support the demand for official recognition.
The meeting comes amid mounting dissatisfaction within the party and growing public criticism of the leadership by several senior leaders.
Suvendu Adhikari to meet dissident MPs
Adding a new dimension to the political developments, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to meet dissident TMC MPs in New Delhi on June 14.
The proposed meeting has sparked speculation about possible political realignments, particularly after Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar indicated that the dissident faction would be willing to support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Kalyan Banerjee’s attack on Abhishek Banerjee intensifies rift
The rebellion has spread beyond Parliament and is now visible across different levels of the party organisation.
Senior advocate and veteran TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee recently launched a sharp public attack on party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. He accused Abhishek of arrogance and announced that he would no longer represent him in legal matters.
In a significant political statement, Kalyan Banerjee also challenged party chief Mamata Banerjee to choose between him and her nephew, suggesting that his future within the party could depend on her decision.
His remarks have been widely interpreted as evidence of deepening factionalism within the Trinamool Congress.
Resignations add to party’s troubles
The crisis has been compounded by a series of high-profile resignations.
Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev resigned from both Parliament and the party, following the earlier resignation of senior TMC leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray.
The resignations have fueled speculation that dissatisfaction within the party extends beyond a handful of leaders and may be more widespread than previously believed.
Several MPs join dissident camp
According to leaders associated with the rebellion, a significant number of TMC MPs have aligned themselves with the dissident faction.
Those reportedly associated with the rebel camp include Yusuf Pathan, Abu Taher Khan, Partha Bhowmik, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Bapi Haldar, Saayoni Ghosh, Rachana Banerjee, Asit Mal, K Rahman, Sharmila Sarkar, Mitali Bag, Shatrughan Sinha, Kalipada Soren, June Malia, Mala Roy, Dev Adhikari, Satabdi Roy, Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia and Arup Chakrabarty.
If the group formally separates from the party leadership, it could trigger one of the biggest political crises in the history of the Trinamool Congress.
Police visit Abhishek Banerjee’s residence
The political uncertainty deepened further after unusual developments at the residence of Abhishek Banerjee early on Saturday.
According to sources, personnel from Salboni Police Station reportedly arrived at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence around 3 am. The reason for the visit has not yet been officially disclosed.
Shortly afterwards, Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee reportedly reached the residence at around 4 am, adding to speculation surrounding the developments.
Meanwhile, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also visited the residence of senior TMC leader Madan Mitra, creating further political buzz amid the ongoing turmoil.
Authorities have not yet issued an official explanation regarding the purpose of these visits.
A defining moment for Trinamool Congress
The latest developments suggest that the Trinamool Congress is facing one of the most serious internal challenges since its formation. What began as isolated expressions of dissatisfaction has evolved into an organised rebellion involving MPs, senior leaders and former party loyalists.
With dissident MPs preparing to seek recognition as the “real TMC,” senior leaders openly questioning the leadership and resignations continuing to mount, the coming days could prove crucial in determining the future course of West Bengal’s ruling party.
All eyes are now on the upcoming meeting with Speaker Om Birla, which may decide whether the rebellion remains an internal revolt or transforms into a formal split within the Trinamool Congress.
