The internal crisis in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated on Thursday as rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee met the Election Commission (EC) to stake claim over the party's name and symbol. The Mamata Banerjee faction sharply criticised the EC for holding what it termed an 'unauthorised' meeting with a 'rag tag' group of breakaway MLAs.
Rebel Faction's Move
Ritabrata Banerjee, a former TMC MP, led a delegation of 12 rebel MLAs to the EC office in New Delhi. They submitted a petition seeking recognition as the legitimate TMC, arguing that Mamata Banerjee had lost control of the party due to internal dissent. The rebels claim support from a majority of the party's elected representatives.
Mamata Camp's Response
The Mamata Banerjee camp dismissed the rebel move as 'illegal and unconstitutional'. Senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee said, 'The EC has no authority to recognise a splinter group that lacks any organisational mandate. This is a desperate act by a handful of disgruntled individuals.'
The party also questioned the EC's decision to grant an audience to the rebels. 'The meeting was unauthorised and against established norms. The EC should not have entertained such a rag tag group,' a TMC spokesperson said.
Political Implications
The crisis comes ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Political analysts say the split could weaken the TMC's electoral prospects, though Mamata Banerjee remains a popular leader. The EC is expected to take a decision on the rebel claim after hearing both sides.
According to sources, the EC has asked both factions to submit their respective claims with supporting documents by next week. The poll body may also invoke the anti-defection law if MLAs switch sides.
