A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress has announced a parallel leadership structure, naming Arup Roy as chairperson while challenging Mamata Banerjee's leadership.
Kolkata, June 23:
A major political crisis has erupted within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after a rebel faction announced the removal of Mamata Banerjee from the post of party chairperson and unveiled a parallel leadership structure.
The dissident group, led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, held a meeting in Kolkata where senior party leader and former minister Arup Roy was elected as the chairperson of what the rebels described as the "real" Trinamool Congress. The faction also announced a 30-member national working committee to oversee the party's organisational affairs.
Rebel leaders argued that the previous organisational structure had completed its term and claimed that a fresh leadership arrangement was necessary in accordance with the party's constitution. They further stated that the newly formed committee would approach the Election Commission seeking recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress.
The faction also suspended several leaders aligned with the existing party leadership as part of its organisational restructuring.
However, the Mamata Banerjee-led camp has rejected the rebels' decisions, maintaining that she continues to be the legitimate chairperson of the Trinamool Congress. The party has also initiated disciplinary action against several rebel leaders while reaffirming its official organisational structure.
The developments mark the latest escalation in an internal power struggle that has intensified following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Political observers believe the dispute could eventually require intervention by the Election Commission if competing factions formally stake claim over the party's organisational leadership.
The evolving crisis is expected to have significant political implications in West Bengal as both factions continue to assert their legitimacy.