Kolkata: Amidst the deepest organizational crisis in the 28-year history of the Trinamool Congress, party chairperson Mamata Banerjee has issued a stern ultimatum to the dissenting faction within her ranks. In a sharp video message, the former West Bengal Chief Minister demanded that rebel leaders stop “playing games” and clearly choose their side.
“Those who are playing games should make up their minds,” Banerjee stated, addressing the growing number of departures from the party. “Either stay with the Trinamool Congress and work with us, or directly join the BJP. Do not remain in the middle of the river; otherwise, you will lose both ends.”
The party is currently grappling with a significant exodus of senior leaders, MLAs, and MPs who have openly challenged her leadership. Banerjee accused these dissidents of conspiring with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to engineer a split, alleging that their “betrayal” has emboldened the saffron party to escalate pressure on TMC grassroots workers.
“If you have the courage, go and join the BJP and take me on directly,” she challenged, dismissing the “rebel” tag claimed by the breakaway group. She questioned the timing of their dissent, asking why these leaders remained silent for the past 15 years while holding ministerial berths and important government positions under the TMC banner.
The political unrest has intensified recently, with the rebel faction—led by leader of the opposition Ritabrata Banerjee—reportedly taking control of the party’s office in Kolkata. The situation has reached a point where the Election Commission has intervened, seeking claims and counterclaims from both factions to determine the rightful leadership and party identity.
Meanwhile, loyal party members continue to face what they describe as systematic intimidation. Senior leader Saugata Roy has alleged that BJP supporters are attempting to forcibly take over TMC offices across the state, a claim that underscores the deteriorating political environment in West Bengal.
Despite these challenges, Mamata Banerjee remains defiant. Vowing to keep the party’s organizational spirit alive, she has formally assumed the responsibilities of the party’s West Bengal unit chief. She maintains that while individuals may depart, the institution itself will continue to fight. As the TMC prepares for its upcoming July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally, the party remains locked in a high-stakes battle to preserve its political relevance against a well-organized and increasingly assertive opposition.