Barely a day after the rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) flexed its strength by securing the support of 58 MLAs and installing expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, signs of discord have begun to surface within the camp itself.
The trigger appears to be the position proposed for TMC founder Mamata Banerjee. While the rebel group has maintained that its revolt is directed against the leadership style and growing influence of Abhishek Banerjee rather than Mamata herself, a section of dissident MLAs is uncomfortable with the idea of reducing her role to that of a “chief adviser”.
At a meeting of the rebel legislators, several members reportedly argued that Mamata Banerjee should continue as the undisputed leader of the movement and be formally recognised as its chairperson rather than an adviser. Some leaders even warned that they would find it difficult to remain with the faction if Mamata’s authority was diluted.
The development highlights the delicate balancing act facing the rebels. Their political challenge has been built around demands for greater internal democracy and opposition to what they describe as the concentration of power around Abhishek Banerjee. However, most of the dissident legislators continue to draw a clear distinction between their criticism of the party’s current leadership structure and their loyalty to Mamata Banerjee, who remains the most influential political figure in the camp.
The cracks come at a time when the TMC is grappling with one of the biggest crises in its 28 year history. Following the party’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, internal dissent has intensified, leading to allegations of forged signatures, leadership disputes and a dramatic split in the legislature wing. While the rebel faction has projected unity so far, the debate over Mamata Banerjee’s role suggests that differences over the future direction of the movement are already emerging.
For now, Mamata Banerjee remains the common thread holding together both loyalists and rebels. Whether that shared allegiance is enough to prevent further divisions within the dissident camp remains to be seen.
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