TMC rejigs leadership amid MP revolt; Saayoni Ghosh, Mala Roy removed
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has undergone a significant organizational reshuffle, removing Saayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy from key positions in the youth and women's wings, respectively. This move follows a rebellion by a considerable number of TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha, who are reportedly seeking recognition as a separate bloc. The changes aim to consolidate power within the party amidst internal turmoil.
Key Highlights
- TMC leader Mamata Banerjee reshuffled youth and women's wings.
- Saayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy were removed from their posts.
- The reshuffle comes amid a rebellion by TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha.
- Rebel MPs plan to seek recognition as the 'real TMC' from the Lok Sabha Speaker.
- New appointments were made to fill the vacant positions within the party structure.
In a significant organizational overhaul, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has removed Saayoni Ghosh from her position as the president of the TMC's youth wing and Mala Roy from her role as the president of the Trinamool Mahila Congress (women's wing). This move by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee comes in the wake of an unprecedented rebellion within the party, particularly among its Lok Sabha MPs, following the party's electoral setbacks. The reshuffle, announced on Saturday, June 14, 2026, saw Arnab Banerjee appointed as the new president of the Trinamool Youth Congress, replacing Ghosh, while Alifa Ahmed, an MLA from Kaliganj, was appointed as the president of the Trinamool Mahila Congress, succeeding Roy. The party also made other organizational changes, including appointing Kunal Ghosh as the president of the North Kolkata organizational district, replacing Sudip Bandyopadhyay, who is reportedly among the rebel MPs. The rebellion has seen a substantial number of TMC Lok Sabha MPs, reportedly around 20 out of 28, expressing dissatisfaction with the party leadership and planning to approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek recognition as the 'real TMC' parliamentary group. Rebel MP Satabdi Roy has attributed the crisis to corruption and the leadership's reluctance to acknowledge internal problems, while also criticizing the growing influence of Abhishek Banerjee. The dissident MPs claim their strength is sufficient to bypass the anti-defection law if recognized as a separate bloc. However, constitutional experts have questioned the viability of this move, suggesting that recognition as a separate parliamentary group from the Speaker might not be legally sustainable and that the Election Commission of India would be the appropriate authority to decide on party recognition. Ironically, both Saayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy had been appointed to their respective positions just a week prior, during a broader organizational overhaul on June 5, 2026, intended to consolidate the party's structure. This rapid change underscores the heightened internal crisis within the TMC following its electoral defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls and subsequent dissent among its legislators. The party's leadership has attempted to portray unity and control by making these swift changes and inducting loyalists into key positions, while the rebel faction continues to assert its stance and seek formal recognition. The situation highlights a significant internal power struggle within the TMC as it navigates a period of intense turmoil and public scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been removed from the TMC's youth and women's wings?
Saayoni Ghosh has been removed as the president of the TMC's youth wing, and Mala Roy has been removed as the president of the Trinamool Mahila Congress (women's wing).
Why has the TMC undertaken this organizational reshuffle?
The reshuffle is a response to a significant rebellion within the party, particularly among Lok Sabha MPs, following the TMC's electoral setbacks and a subsequent internal crisis.
What are the rebel MPs planning to do?
A group of rebel TMC MPs, reportedly around 20, are planning to approach the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek recognition as the 'real TMC' parliamentary group.