TMC faces split as Mamata Banerjee clips Abhishek's wings amid MP desertion fears

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is reportedly on the brink of a significant internal split, with a considerable number of Lok Sabha MPs contemplating desertion. This potential fracturing of the party's parliamentary wing has prompted TMC chief Mamata Banerjee to initiate an organizational overhaul, aimed at curtailing the influence of her nephew and national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee. Sources suggest that the discontent within the party stems largely from Abhishek Banerjee's leadership style and perceived autocratic functioning. Allegations include a lack of interaction with party workers and a tendency towards centralized, syndicate-driven decision-making. This has reportedly alienated several party members and contributed to the growing unrest. The recent electoral defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections appears to have exacerbated these internal tensions, bringing the deep-seated disquiet to the surface. In a move to regain control and potentially stem the tide of desertions, Mamata Banerjee has implemented a series of organizational changes. Notably, Rajya Sabha MPs Derek O'Brien and Dola Sen have been appointed as joint national secretaries, tasked with assisting Abhishek Banerjee. This move is widely interpreted as a direct dilution of Abhishek's authority and an introduction of checks and balances at the party's apex. While Abhishek Banerjee has retained his position as national general secretary, the reshuffle signals a clear message that his authority is no longer unchecked. The speculation of a split in the parliamentary wing comes after a similar rebellion in the party's state legislative wing. A significant number of TMC MLAs have reportedly distanced themselves from key organizational meetings, questioning party decisions. Expelled MLAs have openly criticized the leadership, with some even claiming that a majority of the party's MLAs are unhappy with recent appointments. Reports indicate that a rebel faction, led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, has garnered substantial support, leading to concerns of a Maharashtra-style political split. This internal turmoil has extended to the party's physical assets, with a rebel faction reportedly seizing control of the TMC's Kolkata office and staking a claim to the party's symbol and funds. The article also highlights that Abhishek Banerjee has been at the center of other controversies, including allegations of forged signatures in the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, which is reportedly under investigation by the CID. His role in the party has been a subject of debate, with some accusing him of replacing the party's traditional grassroots mobilization with top-down, data-driven strategies. While Mamata Banerjee has publicly defended her nephew, stating that he has done no wrong and is fighting like a tiger, the organizational changes suggest a strategic move to reassert her control over the party. The TMC's ability to weather this internal storm and prevent a parliamentary split will be a critical test of its resilience and Mamata Banerjee's leadership in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as the party grapples with these significant internal challenges.

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