The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is facing one of its most turbulent phases in recent years, with a series of resignations, internal rebellions and growing speculation over a possible merger with the Congress. The developments have raised questions about the party's unity and political future as it grapples with mounting challenges both in the state assembly and Parliament.
The latest setback came on Wednesday when former Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev announced her resignation from both the Upper House and the TMC. Her departure followed the exit of another senior leader, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who resigned from the Rajya Sabha two days earlier. Ray accused the party of “unbridled corruption” and “anarchical rule,” adding to concerns over growing dissatisfaction within the organisation.
The resignations come amid a broader internal crisis for the ruling party in West Bengal. In the state assembly, TMC has reportedly witnessed a significant split, with 58 lawmakers backing rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee. The faction has staked a claim to the position of Leader of the Opposition, signalling a major challenge to the party leadership and exposing deep divisions within its ranks.
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Signs of unrest have also emerged in Parliament. Earlier this week, TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh publicly expressed support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), claiming she had the backing of 19 other MPs. The figure is significant because it meets the threshold generally required for a group to avoid disqualification under anti-defection provisions, fuelling speculation about a potential breakaway faction at the national level.
The ongoing developments have intensified political discussions around the future direction of the TMC. Reports and political chatter regarding a possible merger or closer alignment with the Congress have added another layer of uncertainty, although no official announcement has been made by either party. The speculation comes at a time when opposition parties continue to reassess alliances and strategies ahead of future electoral contests.
For Mamata Banerjee, the current crisis represents one of the most serious tests of her leadership since founding the TMC. With senior leaders departing, rebel groups gaining visibility and questions emerging over the party’s cohesion, the coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining whether the TMC can contain the unrest and restore stability within its ranks.
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