Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress is passing through what may be the most serious internal rupture in its history. The party that held an unshakable grip on the state's politics for years is now hearing open challenges to Mamata Banerjee's leadership from within its own ranks. The situation has reached a point where several of its MPs are preparing to declare themselves the 'real TMC'.
Three Blows in a Single Day
The atmosphere turned sharply tense on Saturday morning when police arrived at Abhishek Banerjee's residence. Running in parallel, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) pushed forward its probe into the municipality recruitment scam by carrying out simultaneous searches at seven locations linked to TMC MLA and former minister Madan Mitra. Coming amid the political churn, these actions have multiplied the party's troubles.
Discontent That Has Spilled Into the Open
This revolt is no longer confined to organisational tussles. Anger is visible at every level — among MPs, MLAs and senior leaders alike. Several leaders have openly questioned Abhishek Banerjee's style of functioning from public platforms. The internal tug-of-war has turned into a public battle, and the central question now is unmistakable: who is the real Trinamool Congress, and in whose hands will control of the party ultimately rest?
Kalyan Banerjee's Open Attack
The crisis grew deeper when senior leader and lawyer Kalyan Banerjee took aim at Abhishek Banerjee in public. Accusing Abhishek of an arrogant attitude, he announced that he would no longer act as his legal representative. He went a step further and threw a blunt challenge directly at Mamata Banerjee — the party, he said, must now make clear whether it stands with him or with Abhishek Banerjee.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's Faction and the 'Real TMC' Claim
On the other side, a large bloc led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has stepped into the arena. This group claims that roughly 20 MPs are with it and that it represents the genuine Trinamool Congress. The same faction will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday to press for official recognition. That is why the meeting is being viewed not as a formality but as the toughest test yet for Mamata Banerjee's politics.
Rebel Manoeuvres in Delhi
According to sources, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, is set to meet these rebel MPs in Delhi on Sunday. The development has only intensified the speculation in political circles. The BJP, it is believed, is keeping a close watch on the entire episode.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has already hinted that, if the need arises, her faction is willing to extend support to the BJP-led NDA. That is precisely why the dispute is no longer Trinamool's domestic quarrel but is fast turning into a major issue in national politics.
Allies Slipping Away
The party has absorbed one setback after another in recent days. Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev resigned from both the party and Parliament. Before her, Sukhendu Shekhar Ray had also walked out. After that, a number of MPs were seen tilting toward the rebel camp. Names being cited in the breakaway group include well-known figures such as Yusuf Pathan, Sayoni Ghosh, Rachna Banerjee, Dev Adhikari, Satabdi Roy and Mala Roy — a clear sign that the discontent is no longer limited to a small circle.
Can Mamata Hold the Party Together?
Political observers believe this crisis is not merely an organisational challenge for Mamata Banerjee but a question tied to her political legacy itself. If MPs break away in large numbers to form a separate bloc, it could directly affect the 2026 Bengal elections. For now, all eyes are fixed on Monday's meeting with Om Birla — that single session could decide where the real strength of the Trinamool Congress lies and which way Bengal's politics will turn.
