A significant political crisis is brewing within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, reminiscent of the 2022 split in Maharashtra's Shiv Sena. Expelled TMC MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha have been holding meetings with numerous party legislators, leading to intense speculation about a potential factional breakaway.
Dissent and Disillusionment
The turmoil comes in the wake of a challenging assembly election for the TMC. Reports indicate widespread disillusionment among party workers and leaders, with many openly criticizing Mamata Banerjee's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. Accusations against Abhishek Banerjee include corruption, arrogance, nepotism, sidelining senior leaders, and managing the party through external professionals from I-PAC.
Sources suggest a growing disconnect between the party leadership and grassroots realities, with some leaders pointing to complacency and alleged involvement in 'syndicates' and 'cut-money' practices after 15 years in power. Demands for accountability and introspection have reportedly been met with resistance from Mamata Banerjee.
Rebel Meetings Fuel Speculation
The gravity of the situation became apparent when only 20 of the TMC's 80 MLAs attended a crucial meeting called by Mamata Banerjee on Sunday. Subsequently, Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha reportedly met with several of these absent MLAs at an MLA hostel in Kolkata. This gathering has intensified rumors of a new, powerful faction emerging within the ruling party.
Ritabrata Banerjee, who was expelled for anti-party activities, has directly challenged Abhishek Banerjee's leadership, particularly regarding the party's association with I-PAC. While some MLAs who met with Banerjee and Saha claim they are not seeking to form a separate party but rather to work under the existing TMC banner, the secret nature of these meetings suggests deep internal rifts.
Abhishek Banerjee Under Fire
Public anger has also been directed at Abhishek Banerjee, with reports of eggs and shoes being pelted during his visits to constituencies like Sonarpur. He has also reportedly been met with chants of "thief, thief" in various locations, causing concern among TMC MLAs and MPs about the party's public image and future prospects.
The Threat to Party Control
The potential for a major split is significant. With the TMC having won 80 seats in the 294-member assembly, a defection of 40-45 MLAs, combined with a portion of the party's 29 MPs, could challenge the current leadership's claim to the party symbol – the 'two grass and flowers'.
Amidst these developments, MLA Kunal Ghosh has publicly appealed to party leaders not to abandon what he termed a "sinking ship." However, the increasing number of legislators reportedly in contact with the rebel camp, potentially ranging from 20 to 50, indicates a profound and escalating crisis for the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.