In a dramatic escalation of internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), senior party leader Kalyan Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, labeling him as 'unimaginably arrogant' and holding him responsible for the party's crushing defeat in the recent West Bengal assembly elections. The outburst marks one of the most direct challenges to the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the party's supremo.
Kalyan Banerjee's Open Challenge
Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Kalyan Banerjee did not mince words as he criticized Abhishek Banerjee, who is the nephew of Mamata Banerjee and widely seen as her political heir. He accused Abhishek of alienating loyal party workers and ignoring grassroots feedback, which he claimed led to the party's poor performance in the polls. 'His arrogance is unimaginable. He does not listen to anyone and has bulldozed the party's internal democracy,' Kalyan Banerjee said.
The senior leader went a step further by asking Mamata Banerjee to choose between her nephew and the party's old guard. 'Mamata-di must decide who is more important for the party: the loyal workers who built the TMC from scratch or a young man who has brought nothing but defeat,' he added.
Election Defeat Blamed on Abhishek
The TMC, which has been in power in West Bengal since 2011, faced a significant setback in the 2026 assembly elections, losing several key seats and seeing its majority reduced. Kalyan Banerjee attributed this decline directly to Abhishek's leadership style and his handling of the election campaign. 'We lost because of his mismanagement and his refusal to work with experienced leaders. He surrounded himself with sycophants and ignored the party's base,' he alleged.
This public criticism is unprecedented in the TMC, which has largely maintained a disciplined facade under Mamata Banerjee's leadership. However, tensions have been simmering for years between the old guard and the younger faction led by Abhishek Banerjee.
Party Reactions and Implications
So far, neither Mamata Banerjee nor Abhishek Banerjee has responded publicly to Kalyan Banerjee's remarks. Other TMC leaders have been cautious, with some expressing support for Kalyan Banerjee's right to voice his opinion while others have urged restraint. Political analysts suggest that this infighting could weaken the TMC ahead of future electoral battles, including the 2029 general elections.
The development also raises questions about the succession plan within the party. Mamata Banerjee has groomed Abhishek for a larger role, but this rebellion indicates significant resistance from senior leaders. Whether she will take disciplinary action against Kalyan Banerjee or attempt to mediate remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, opposition parties in West Bengal have welcomed the rift, with the BJP and the Left parties calling it a sign of the TMC's internal decay. 'The TMC is crumbling from within. Mamata Banerjee's leadership is being questioned by her own colleagues,' said a BJP spokesperson.
