The Trinamool Congress (TMC), long identified with Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, is facing its most serious internal crisis following a heavy defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.Once a dominant political force that ended decades of Left rule in 2011, the party is now grappling with rebellion from within.

A group of 58 out of 80 TMC MLAs has rallied behind expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee, who has been recognised as Leader of the Opposition, signalling a major split in legislative authority.

The crisis emerged soon after the election loss, when dissatisfaction grew among senior leaders over the increasing influence of Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee’s nephew and perceived राजनीतिक उत्तराधिकारी.Allegations of centralised decision-making and sidelining of experienced नेताओं deepened internal tensions.

A key flashpoint was a पार्टी meeting where MLAs were reportedly discouraged from criticising Abhishek and asked to applaud his role, which many interpreted as enforced loyalty.Subsequent controversies, including allegations of forged signatures related to legislative leadership, further escalated tensions.Complaints led to a CID probe, and the eventual expulsion of dissenting leaders Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha only accelerated the rebellion.

The dissidents justified their actions as necessary for effective opposition functioning, while also challenging the legitimacy of decisions taken by Mamata Banerjee’s camp.The situation reflects a broader political pattern in West Bengal, where organisational networks tend to shift towards centres of power.After the BJP’s decisive victory, many local structures and loyalties appear to be realigning.The crisis has also spread beyond the विधानसभा, with party committees dissolved and senior leaders stepping down from key posts.

Overall, the developments indicate a significant erosion of Mamata Banerjee’s authority within her own party, raising questions about leadership, succession, and the future of the TMC as a unified political force.