The political crisis inside the Trinamool Congress deepened on July 15 when senior leader and former West Bengal minister Madan Mitra resigned from the Mamata Banerjee-led party and joined the rebel group headed by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee.
Mitra’s exit represents another major setback for the former Chief Minister, as the party deals with growing internal dissent, leadership issues and defections after its loss in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
After joining the dissident camp, Mitra tried to minimise the move by saying he had “only changed my room in the Assembly.” Yet his later remarks showed strong dissatisfaction with the party’s current operations and leadership.
He launched a direct attack on TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, claiming the party had become too focused on one individual. Mitra said he had earlier proposed that Abhishek Banerjee step aside temporarily to let senior leaders rebuild the organisation after the electoral defeat. When the suggestion was rejected, he added, the party chose to protect Abhishek Banerjee rather than address wider concerns.
“The party belongs to everyone, yet it seems to have been reduced to serving only Abhishek,” Mitra stated, calling on Mamata Banerjee to review the party’s direction. His comments rank among the strongest public criticisms by a senior TMC figure against Abhishek Banerjee since the defeat.
Mitra resigned from all party posts but said he would remain a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. He noted that he no longer viewed himself as a Trinamool Congress legislator in practice after cutting organisational ties.
The move comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate summoned Mitra’s wife and two sons over an alleged municipal recruitment scam. Although no direct connection has been confirmed, the timing has added to the political turbulence in West Bengal.
The rebellion began soon after the party’s decisive loss to the BJP in the 2026 elections. Ritabrata Banerjee, previously expelled, has become the face of the dissident movement and gained support from several legislators and leaders. The faction claims majority backing among Trinamool legislators, has elected Ritabrata as its legislative leader, and has set up a parallel structure while declaring itself the “real” Trinamool Congress.
Mamata Banerjee responded that those using Abhishek as a reason to leave were making excuses, noting that Abhishek continues to fight and stand with the people. She recalled that Abhishek’s wife had faced central agency questioning with their young child and did not back down.
The dissident group has approached the Election Commission for recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress and is claiming the party name, symbol and assets. Observers see Mitra’s move as a boost for the rebels’ efforts to challenge Mamata Banerjee’s authority. His defection is expected to intensify the internal struggle, with the contest for control over the party becoming a major focus in West Bengal politics.
