TMC Crisis Deepens As Mamata Banerjee Denounces Rebel Faction

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces a critical leadership collapse following a public confrontation between Mamata Banerjee and a rising rebel faction. On July 4, 2026, Banerjee issued a stern rebuke to dissidents, labeling them traitors and accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating defections within her ranks. This internal friction follows the party's decisive loss in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, which saw the BJP secure a majority and install Suvendu Adhikari as Chief Minister.

The turmoil further escalated with the resignation of Chandrima Bhattacharya, the recently appointed West Bengal unit president. Appointed just last month on June 3, 2026, Bhattacharya stepped down citing a lack of confidence from Banerjee, who blamed her for losing control of the Trinamool Bhawan headquarters. The rebel faction, claiming to be the legitimate entity under the leadership of Ritabrata Banerjee, physically occupied the party office on July 3, 2026, and is actively challenging for control over party symbols and finances.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has requested formal submissions from both rival factions regarding organizational control, assets, and signatories by July 6, 2026. Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led group has approached the Calcutta High Court to address the freezing of several party bank accounts tied to ongoing fund diversion probes. Mamata Banerjee has now assumed direct oversight of state operations, appointing new general secretaries in an attempt to stabilize the party's remaining influence as the legal battle for legitimacy intensifies.