TMC Rebel Camp Faces Internal Rift as MLAs Insist Mamata Banerjee Must Remain Supreme Leader
Fresh differences have emerged within the rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with several dissident legislators strongly opposing any move that could reduce Mamata Banerjee’s role to that of an adviser within the party.
The disagreement surfaced during a meeting of the rebel legislative bloc led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who was recently recognised as the Leader of Opposition following a dramatic shift in the party’s legislative wing.
The controversy began after Ritabrata Banerjee reportedly suggested that former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee could serve as the “chief adviser” to the reorganised legislature party. However, many rebel MLAs argued that such a role does not reflect her stature as the founder and long-time leader of the party.
Rebel MLA Gulshan Mullick stated that members had joined the bloc with the understanding that the party would continue under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. He stressed that she should remain the supreme leader and warned that some legislators may reconsider their association with the group if her position is diminished.
Another rebel legislator, Sangeeta Roy Basunia, echoed the sentiment, saying that Mamata Banerjee remains the undisputed leader of the movement and cannot be treated merely as an adviser.
Throughout the ongoing rebellion, dissident lawmakers have attempted to distinguish their support for Mamata Banerjee from their opposition to her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. According to the rebels, their disagreement is primarily with Abhishek’s growing influence within the party rather than with Mamata’s leadership.
The developments come at a difficult time for the TMC, which is already grappling with the aftermath of its electoral defeat to the BJP in West Bengal. The party is facing one of the most serious internal crises in its history after 58 MLAs took control of the legislature party, elected Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition, and secured recognition from the Assembly Speaker.
Political observers believe the unfolding crisis has raised important questions about leadership, succession, and the future direction of a party that has dominated West Bengal politics for more than a decade. As tensions continue to rise, the role of Mamata Banerjee is likely to remain at the centre of the debate.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
