TMC Faces Major Split as 58 MLAs Break Away, Mamata's Leadership Challenged

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), a party with a 28-year history, is facing its first major split. Out of its 80 MLAs, 58 have broken away and chosen Ritabrata Banerjee as the leader of their legislative group. This decision was approved by the Speaker, marking a significant shift in the party's dynamics. The rebellion reportedly began on May 22 during a meeting at Delhi’s Bang Bhavan between TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Within just 13 days, the party has been divided into two factions.

Amid the political turmoil, several leaders considered close to Mamata Banerjee attended an administrative review meeting chaired by Suvendu Adhikari. These included Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, Kunal Ghosh, Nayana Bandopadhyay, and Ashok Deb. The participation of these leaders has further highlighted the internal tensions within the party. However, confusion persists over Hakim’s resignation as Kolkata Mayor. While Kunal Ghosh claimed that Mamata Banerjee accepted his resignation, Hakim has not formally submitted it, and KMC Chairperson Mala Roy confirmed receiving no such notice.

In a related development, the Calcutta High Court has directed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to issue a detailed notice to Abhishek Banerjee’s relative Amit Banerjee and the company Lips and Bounds regarding a property matter. The court has asked KMC to send the notice within a week and for the respondents to reply within three weeks.

With only 22 MLAs remaining loyal to Mamata Banerjee, her faction no longer meets the 10% threshold required for recognition as the opposition in the assembly. The dissident group, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has 58 MLAs, surpassing the two-thirds majority needed to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws.