The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has submitted its formal response to the Election Commission of India, categorically rejecting the claims made by the so-called rebel group as fraudulent. The submission comes amid an ongoing dispute over party leadership and the use of the TMC election symbol ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Kalyan Banerjee Challenges Rebel Claims
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, representing the Mamata faction, argued that the rebel leaders had themselves recognized the authority of the existing party leadership by contesting the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections on the TMC symbol. He asserted that this action undermines their claim of being a separate legitimate faction. “They cannot now turn around and claim to be rebels when they have already accepted the party’s symbol and leadership,” Banerjee said during a press conference.
The response was filed with the Election Commission on 6 July 2026, after the rebel group had earlier petitioned the EC to be recognized as the official TMC faction. The Mamata faction’s submission includes affidavits and documents showing that the rebel leaders participated in party activities under the current leadership.
Background of the Dispute
The internal conflict within the TMC has been brewing for months, with a group of leaders accusing Mamata Banerjee of authoritarian practices. The rebels, led by former party insiders, claim that they represent the true spirit of the party. However, the Mamata faction maintains that the rebels have no organizational support and are acting out of personal ambition.
According to sources, the Election Commission is expected to examine both petitions before making a decision on the symbol allotment for the upcoming assembly elections. The TMC symbol—the jasmine flower—is a key electoral asset, and control over it is crucial for both factions.
“The rebel group has failed to provide any evidence of widespread support among party workers or elected representatives,” said a senior TMC leader close to Mamata Banerjee. “Their claims are baseless and designed to create confusion.”
Impact on 2026 Elections
The dispute has significant implications for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, where the TMC faces a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left-Congress alliance. A split in the TMC could dilute the anti-BJP vote and benefit the opposition. However, the Mamata faction appears confident that the EC will rule in its favor.
Political analysts note that the rebel faction has failed to attract major names from the TMC. Of the 294 assembly seats, only a handful of sitting MLAs have openly supported the rebels. “This is more about personal grudges than a genuine ideological split,” said political commentator Suman Chatterjee.
The Election Commission has not yet set a date for a hearing but is likely to expedite the process given the proximity of the elections.
