Source NDTV
KOLKATA — The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing its toughest political storm in years, following a high-stakes crisis huddle at party chairperson Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence. The emergency meeting was called to address a looming internal rift and mounting speculation of widespread defections to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The internal crisis came to a head after a crucial legislative party meeting—originally called by Leader of the Opposition Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay—had to be abruptly called off. Despite the TMC holding 80 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, a mere 20 lawmakers showed up, triggering intense speculation regarding the loyalty of the remaining three-fourths of the party’s legislators.
Inside the Split Speculations
Political circles in Kolkata are abuzz with reports that a substantial rebel faction, allegedly under the leadership of recently expelled leaders, has been holding parallel meetings at local hotels and the MLA Hostel. Current estimates suggest anywhere between 20 to 50 TMC legislators could be in active contact with the rebel camp.
Following the huddle, senior TMC leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay strongly dismissed fears of a mass exodus, asserting that the party’s foundation remains unshaken.
“The majority of MLAs will remain with Mamata Banerjee, and the old guard will continue to be firmly in control of the Trinamool Congress. The twin-flower symbol will stay with Mamata Banerjee.”
Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, TMC Leader Claims of “Police Raj” and Coercion
Addressing the low attendance, a defiant Mamata Banerjee leveled heavy allegations against the ruling dispensation. She claimed that opposition MLAs are being systematically threatened, harassed, and actively blocked from attending party meetings by local law enforcement.
According to Banerjee, multiple legislators have faced direct intimidation, with police allegedly threatening to slap them with fabricated cases under the Arms Act if they do not defect.
The TMC supremo further revealed that the party had been denied official police permission to hold a massive protest rally in Kolkata. Reaffirming her resolve, Banerjee warned that if democratic protests continue to be stifled in the state, she will take her fight directly to New Delhi.
A Party Under Siege
The legislative standoff follows weeks of compounding pressure on the TMC since losing power in the state on May 4. The party has been rocked by:
Mass Resignations: Dozens of TMC councillors and panchayat pradhans across municipalities like Bhatpara and Diamond Harbour have resigned en masse.
Bulldozer Action: Administrative crackdowns have led to the demolition of several unauthorized party offices and properties linked to senior TMC leaders.
Internal Friction: Following the party’s electoral loss, senior leaders have publicly traded blame, with some openly criticizing the role of election management firm I-PAC.
The Rival Camp’s Take
The ruling BJP has completely rejected the TMC’s allegations of coercion, shifting the blame entirely onto Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. BJP Minister Agnimitra Paul stated that the low turnout at the Kalighat huddle is proof of a complete collapse of internal faith. Paul asserted that the TMC is “perishing” not due to external pressure, but because its legislators no longer have confidence in the party’s core ideology.
As the political dust settles from the Kalighat meeting, the TMC finds itself at a critical crossroads—scrambling to keep its remaining legislative block united while fighting an aggressive ruling party determined to chip away at its foundation.
