Three weeks after losing power in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress appears close to organisational breakdown. Following its failure to deploy agents during the Falta repoll, the party has faced multiple resignations while leaders question its direction. In recent days, councillors have quit in several municipalities across North and South 24 Parganas. Estimates indicate more than 100 resignations from seven civic bodies, months before urban local body polls.
Diamond Harbour Municipality, part of a key constituency, has seen eight of its 16 board members resign. Chairperson Pranab Das stated efforts to develop the area but noted the board risks collapse. Resigned councillors cited lawlessness under the so-called Diamond Harbour model and alleged police interference when raising corruption concerns. Das said he remains with the party.
In North 24 Parganas, large numbers have resigned in North Barrackpore, Garulia, Halisahar, Kanchrapara and Bhatpara. Twelve of 17 councillors also left in Kanthi, Purba Medinipur. Under the West Bengal Municipal Act 1993, the state may appoint an administrator if more than two-thirds of councillors resign. Most affected bodies meet this threshold.
One resigned chairperson said public opinion had shifted and new leadership should be allowed. Another noted the party leadership offered no clear response despite meetings with the chief minister.
Separately, the party struggles to find a candidate for the Nandigram bypoll after its previous nominee declined.
