The Trinamool Congress (TMC) witnessed a dramatic escalation in its internal power struggle on 3 July 2026, as the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee seized control of the party headquarters in Kolkata. This move, described by political analysts as a 'coup d'etat', reinforces the dissidents' claim to organisational legitimacy amidst an intensifying battle with the faction led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Takeover Details and Immediate Impact
According to party sources, Ritabrata supporters entered the TMC headquarters early in the morning and assumed control of key administrative offices. The faction has since issued a statement asserting that they are the rightful custodians of the party's constitution and assets. This development follows weeks of growing tensions between the two groups, with the Ritabrata faction accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led leadership of authoritarian practices and deviation from the party's founding principles.
The Mamata Banerjee faction has condemned the takeover as illegal and anti-democratic. In a press briefing, senior TMC leader Partha Chatterjee said, 'This is an act of indiscipline and a direct attack on the party's democratic structure. We will take all necessary legal and organisational steps to restore order.'
Political Implications and Reactions
The power struggle within the TMC has significant implications for West Bengal politics. The party, which has been in power since 2011, faces a critical test of its unity ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Political observers note that the factional feud could weaken the TMC's electoral prospects and provide an opening for opposition parties such as the BJP and the Left Front.
Ritabrata Banerjee, a former close aide of Mamata Banerjee, has been leading a dissident group within the party for several months. He has alleged that the current leadership has become disconnected from grassroots workers and has failed to address corruption allegations. In a statement after the takeover, Ritabrata said, 'This is not a coup but a reclaiming of the party by its true workers. We will ensure that the TMC returns to its core values of democracy and service.'
Legal and Organisational Measures
The Mamata Banerjee faction has indicated that it will approach the Election Commission of India to assert its claim as the official TMC. Legal experts suggest that the dispute could lead to a prolonged battle over the party's name and symbol. The Election Commission is likely to hear both sides before making a determination, which could take months.
Meanwhile, the Ritabrata faction has begun issuing its own party membership cards and has called for a meeting of the party's national council to elect new office bearers. The faction claims support from a significant number of district-level leaders and workers, though independent verification is difficult.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The TMC has experienced internal conflicts before, but this is the first time a dissident faction has physically taken over the party headquarters. The move marks a significant escalation in the battle for the party's political identity. Mamata Banerjee, who founded the TMC in 1998 after breaking away from the Congress, has faced challenges to her leadership in the past but has always managed to consolidate control.
The coming weeks will be crucial as both factions seek to mobilise support from party workers and the public. The outcome of this power struggle will not only determine the future of the TMC but also shape the political landscape of West Bengal. According to a political analyst at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta, 'This is the most serious internal crisis the TMC has faced. How it resolves this will be a test of its democratic resilience and organisational strength.'
