TMC Rebel Faction Claims Mamata Banerjee Removed As Party Chief
West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been plunged into an unprecedented internal crisis after a dissident faction claimed to have removed party supremo Mamata Banerjee from the top post and suspended senior leader Abhishek Banerjee.
The dramatic developments unfolded at a meeting convened by rebel leaders in Kolkata, where the group declared itself the legitimate Trinamool Congress and announced a new leadership structure.
However, the official TMC leadership has rejected the move, describing it as invalid and lacking any legal standing.
The rebel camp, led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, held a separate gathering and claimed that the party’s existing national leadership had lost its authority after failing to renew organisational structures within the timeframe prescribed by the party constitution.
Based on that argument, the dissidents announced the formation of a new national working committee, named senior MLA Arup Roy as chairperson, and declared Mamata Banerjee removed from the leadership position.
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The faction also announced disciplinary action against Abhishek Banerjee.
The developments mark the most serious internal challenge faced by the Trinamool Congress since it came to power in West Bengal.y
Despite the political significance of the rebellion, constitutional and electoral procedures make the rebels’ claims difficult to enforce immediately.
Under existing legal precedents, a group of legislators cannot automatically assume control of a political party simply because it enjoys support from a section of elected representatives.
Courts have previously drawn a distinction between a party organisation and its legislative wing, making it clear that control over one does not necessarily translate into control over the other.
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As a result, the rebel camp’s decisions do not automatically alter the official leadership structure of the Trinamool Congress.
Any claim over the party’s name, symbol and organisational control will ultimately have to be decided by the Election Commission of India.
The dissident faction is expected to approach the poll body seeking recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress.
The Election Commission would then examine the party constitution, organisational records and the support enjoyed by both factions before taking a decision.
Until such recognition is granted, Mamata Banerjee continues to remain the officially recognised chairperson of the party, while Abhishek Banerjee retains his position within the existing organisational structure.
The rebellion could also trigger legal consequences for some legislators associated with the breakaway group.
If the official party leadership proceeds with anti-defection proceedings and establishes that legislators violated party directives, some rebel lawmakers could face the prospect of disqualification from the Assembly.
The TMC leadership has already indicated that disciplinary action against those involved in the revolt remains under consideration.
The Mamata Banerjee-led camp has refused to acknowledge any decisions taken at the dissidents’ meeting and maintains that the recognised party structure remains unchanged.
While the rebellion has intensified the political battle within the Trinamool Congress, legal experts believe the fate of the rival claims will ultimately be decided by the Election Commission and, potentially, the courts.
