Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing an unprecedented internal crisis following its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with reports of growing dissent among Members of Parliament and legislators raising concerns about a possible split in the party founded by Mamata Banerjee nearly three decades ago. Recent developments suggest that the turmoil has now extended beyond the state unit and into the party’s parliamentary ranks.
The crisis emerged after the TMC’s disappointing electoral performance in West Bengal, where the party suffered a major setback and was reduced to a much smaller presence in the Assembly. Since then, a section of party leaders and legislators has openly questioned the existing leadership structure, triggering one of the biggest challenges to Mamata Banerjee’s authority since the party’s formation in 1998.
Reports indicate that rebel leaders have been claiming support from a significant number of MLAs, with some dissident groups seeking recognition as a separate political bloc. The appointment of expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition with the backing of a large section of former TMC legislators has further intensified the political uncertainty surrounding the party.
The unrest has now reportedly reached the party’s Lok Sabha unit. Speculation over a possible split among TMC MPs gained momentum after party National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee made an unscheduled visit to New Delhi amid efforts to manage the growing crisis. Political observers view the move as part of the leadership’s attempt to prevent further defections and maintain unity within the parliamentary wing.
Adding to the troubles, resignations and public criticism from party functionaries have continued to surface. TMC Minority Cell Secretary Ajmal Siddiqui recently resigned and publicly blamed the party’s internal functioning for the current situation, highlighting the widening dissatisfaction among sections of the organisation.
In response to the rebellion, the TMC leadership dissolved all major organisational committees and frontal wings in West Bengal, describing the move as part of a restructuring exercise aimed at reconnecting with grassroots workers and rebuilding the organisation after the electoral setback. Political analysts, however, view the decision as an attempt to regain control amid escalating internal dissent.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has travelled to New Delhi ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting, accompanied by senior party leaders, even as speculation continues over the future of the party and its parliamentary strength.