TMC Faces Major Rebellion: Over 50 MLAs Claim Support Amid Split Fears

TMC Faces Major Rebellion: Over 50 MLAs Claim Support Amid Split Fears | Quick Digest
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with a significant internal rebellion, as expelled MLAs claim support from nearly 50 to 59 legislators. This widespread dissent, emerging after a recent electoral defeat, threatens to split the party and presents a major challenge to Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

Key Highlights

  • TMC facing major internal rebellion with claims of widespread MLA support.
  • Expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha spearhead dissident faction.
  • Rebels claim support from 'nearly 50' to '59' of TMC's 80 MLAs.
  • Crisis draws parallels to the Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra.
  • Dissent intensified after TMC's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.
  • Allegations of forged signatures regarding Leader of Opposition appointment.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal is currently embroiled in a significant internal crisis, marked by widespread dissent and claims of a potential split, presenting a major challenge to party supremo Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Multiple credible news outlets, in real-time reports from early June 2026, corroborate an intensifying rebellion within the party. The crisis became stark following the expulsion of two prominent MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, on allegations of anti-party activities. These expulsions acted as a catalyst, further solidifying a rebel faction that is now openly challenging the party's central command. The most critical claim, and the central point of the original article, revolves around the number of legislators backing the dissident group. While the original article stated 'nearly 50 MLAs,' corroborating sources indicate varying but significant figures. Some reports suggest that between 15 and 20 TMC MLAs were initially in contact with dissident leaders. However, the claims quickly escalated, with some reports citing that 'around 50' or 'more than 50' legislators are in touch with the rebel camp. More specifically, TMC MLA Mustafizur Rahman indicated hearing that as many as 59 legislators had signed a representation related to the issue, a number also reported by ANI News and Big News Network. The Indian Express further stated that the rebel faction is courting as many as 59 MLAs, nearly three-fourths of the party's 80 MLAs. In another instance, reports indicated that 60 out of the party's 80 legislators allegedly skipped a crucial meeting called by Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence. The Federal similarly reported that 61 of the party's 80 legislators stayed away from a key legislative party meeting. These figures, even at the lower end, signify a substantial challenge to the party's cohesion. This burgeoning rebellion has drawn parallels to the 2022 political upheaval in Maharashtra, where Eknath Shinde led a revolt against Uddhav Thackeray, splitting the Shiv Sena. Political observers are questioning whether Mamata Banerjee might face a similar fate, as reports suggest that Ritabrata Banerjee could attempt to rally support to form an 'Asli Trinamool' (Real Trinamool) faction. Some sources claim that a group of lawmakers met at a Kolkata hotel, considering forming a separate faction under this banner and seeking changes to the party's leadership in the Assembly. The internal strife is set against the backdrop of the TMC's recent crushing defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, which saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) come to power under Suvendu Adhikari. This electoral setback appears to have exacerbated pre-existing discontent within the party. The dissent also surfaced prominently during a major protest organized by Mamata Banerjee post-election, where less than half of the TMC MLAs (only 36 out of 80) attended, signaling a clear lack of unity. A specific point of contention fueling the rebellion is the appointment of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. There have been serious allegations, including claims by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, about forged signatures linked to this appointment. Adhikari stated that an investigation would continue under legal procedures, warning that those who forged signatures would not be spared. Some TMC MLAs, including Baharul Islam, Arup Roy, and Subhashish Das, reportedly informed investigators that they had not signed the disputed letter. The overall situation indicates severe organizational turmoil within the TMC, raising questions about Mamata Banerjee's ability to maintain control and unity within her party after a significant electoral loss and facing an unprecedented internal revolt. The scale of reported dissent, with multiple MLAs distancing themselves from leadership, skipping crucial meetings, and some reportedly seeking to form a new faction, underscores the gravity of the challenge confronting the Trinamool Congress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core issue leading to the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress?

The core issue is a significant internal dissent within the TMC following the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal, exacerbated by the expulsion of MLAs like Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, and allegations of irregularities in the appointment of the Leader of Opposition.

How many MLAs are reportedly supporting the rebel faction?

Reports vary, but rebel factions claim support from a substantial number of MLAs, ranging from initial contacts with 15-20, to later claims of 'nearly 50' to as many as 59 legislators having signed a representation. A significant number, up to 61 MLAs, reportedly skipped key party meetings.

Who are the key figures leading the rebellion?

Expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha are identified as key figures leading the dissident group, with Banerjee reportedly emerging as the face of the revolt and a potential leader for a new faction.

What are the broader implications of this crisis for Mamata Banerjee and the TMC?

This crisis represents a major setback for Mamata Banerjee's leadership and the TMC's organizational unity, potentially leading to a party split akin to the Shiv Sena's division in Maharashtra. It raises questions about the party's future stability and its ability to consolidate its position after losing power in West Bengal.

What are the allegations regarding the appointment of the Leader of Opposition?

The appointment of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of Opposition is a point of contention, with allegations, including from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, of forged signatures on the letter proposing his name. An investigation into these claims is reportedly underway.

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