Mamata Banerjee’s toughest test yet: Can Trinamool Congress survive its growing rebellion?

By Rajkumar Sinha* 

The politics of West Bengal has always been known for intense political battles and dramatic developments. In 1998, Mamata Banerjee herself rebelled against the Congress to establish the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Today, in a striking historical parallel, the party is facing a rebellion from within, with dissident leaders claiming to represent the “real TMC.”

The Trinamool Congress is currently confronting the most serious internal crisis in its 28-year history. Following its defeat in the Assembly elections, 58 MLAs have reportedly revolted against the party leadership. The rebel faction has elected Ritabrata Banerjee as the new leader of the legislative party in place of Mamata Banerjee, and the process of division within the party appears to be deepening.

The crisis intensified further when Mamata Banerjee traveled to New Delhi to attend a meeting of the INDIA alliance. During the same period, several dissatisfied TMC MPs were reportedly seen meeting at the residence of BJP leader Bhupender Yadav. The turmoil has now reached Parliament. Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has resigned from the party, and reports suggest that at least 20 disgruntled MPs have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressing their desire to join the NDA. Although no final decision has emerged, these developments have significantly increased concerns within the party leadership.

Mamata Banerjee has been making personal efforts to reach out to rebel MLAs and MPs in an attempt to prevent the party from disintegrating, but so far these efforts have yielded little success. In a bid to contain the crisis, she has undertaken major organizational changes, curbing the influence of Abhishek Banerjee and restoring key responsibilities to senior and trusted leaders.

Over the past several years, Abhishek Banerjee’s political influence within the TMC has steadily expanded. He has been viewed as playing a significant role in many important party decisions. At the same time, discussions about two distinct streams within the party have persisted. On one side are leaders associated with the party since its formative years of struggle, while on the other are younger leaders who have gained prominence in recent years.

Political observers believe that the growing distance between these two groups has aggravated the organizational crisis. Many senior leaders feel that their role within the party has diminished, while younger leaders seek greater influence and authority. This widening divide has created tensions that now threaten the party’s cohesion.

Amid this political upheaval, discussions have reportedly intensified regarding a possible proposal to merge the Trinamool Congress with the Congress at the national level. Meanwhile, the rebel faction has made it clear that it has no intention of forming a separate party. Instead, it claims to be the legitimate successor to the original Trinamool Congress and seeks control over the party organization, election symbol, and political legacy.

Notably, the rebel leaders have largely avoided direct attacks on Mamata Banerjee herself. They continue to acknowledge her contribution in building the party and maintain that they respect her leadership. Ritabrata Banerjee has even suggested that Mamata Banerjee should be invited to serve as the chief adviser to the opposition platform they envision. Their principal disagreement appears to be with the growing influence of Abhishek Banerjee and his close associates.

The rebel faction seeks to create a new political space in West Bengal—one that is neither aligned with the existing TMC structure nor with the BJP. It has announced its intention to develop a distinct political identity and alternative vision for the state.

The events of recent days have altered both the direction and character of West Bengal politics. Mamata Banerjee, whose party was once regarded as the strongest political fortress in the state, is now facing perhaps the most difficult challenge of her political career. Even so, a substantial section of the TMC continues to stand firmly behind her. Yet the expanding rebellion has cast serious uncertainty over the party’s future.

A party that once posed formidable challenges to its political opponents now finds itself struggling to maintain unity within its own ranks.

West Bengal’s politics stands at a decisive crossroads. The Trinamool Congress, which for nearly three decades shaped the state’s political landscape under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, is confronting the gravest internal crisis in its history. This conflict is not merely about the dissatisfaction of a group of legislators and MPs. It reflects deeper disagreements over leadership, organizational structure, political legacy, and the future direction of the party.

The rebel faction’s decision to proclaim itself the “real TMC” makes the situation even more complex, as the battle is no longer only about power but also about identity and ownership of the party’s legacy. Mamata Banerjee now faces a moment that will test her political skills, organizational control, and the strength of her popular support.

If she succeeds in bringing dissatisfied leaders back into the fold and restoring confidence within the organization, the TMC may yet emerge stronger from this crisis. However, if the rebellion continues to expand, the consequences could extend far beyond the party itself, potentially reshaping the political equations of West Bengal.

The coming months will determine whether the Trinamool Congress can transform this challenge into an opportunity for renewal or whether West Bengal politics is about to enter a completely new chapter. Equally important will be the question of whether the party leadership can successfully navigate this crisis and restore the organizational strength that once made the TMC a dominant force in the state.

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*Bargi Dam Displaced and Affected Persons Association