Real TMC Faction Suspends Abhishek Banerjee, Announces New Committee
The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which calls itself the 'Real TMC', has suspended Abhishek Banerjee, the party's national general secretary and nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The faction also announced the formation of a new 21-member committee to lead the party, escalating the internal feud within the TMC.
Details of the Suspension and New Committee
According to a statement issued by the faction, Abhishek Banerjee has been suspended for alleged anti-party activities. The new committee, headed by Ritabrata Banerjee as president, includes several dissident TMC leaders who have been critical of the current party leadership. The committee's formation was announced during a press conference in Kolkata on June 22, 2026.
Ritabrata Banerjee, a former TMC MLA from West Bengal, claimed that the faction represents the 'true' ideology of the party, alleging that the current leadership under Mamata Banerjee has deviated from the party's founding principles. He stated, "We have formed this committee to revive the original spirit of the TMC, which has been compromised by a coterie around the chief minister."
Background of the Internal Conflict
The rift within the TMC has been brewing for months, with several leaders expressing dissatisfaction over the concentration of power in the hands of Abhishek Banerjee. The faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has been accusing the party leadership of sidelining grassroots workers and ignoring the concerns of traditional party members.
The suspension of Abhishek Banerjee is seen as a significant escalation, as he is widely regarded as the de facto number two in the party and the likely successor to Mamata Banerjee. Political analysts suggest that this move could deepen the factionalism within the TMC, potentially impacting the party's performance in upcoming elections.
Reactions from the TMC Leadership
The official TMC leadership has dismissed the actions of the Ritabrata Banerjee faction, calling it an illegitimate group with no authority to suspend any party member. In a statement, the TMC said, "The so-called suspension of Shri Abhishek Banerjee by a handful of disgruntled individuals is baseless and holds no value. The party stands united under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee."
Abhishek Banerjee himself has not commented on the suspension, but sources close to him indicated that he considers the faction's actions as a publicity stunt.
Impact on West Bengal Politics
The internal strife in the TMC comes at a crucial time, with the party gearing up for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The factional conflict could weaken the party's organizational strength and provide an opportunity for opposition parties like the BJP and the Left Front to gain ground.
According to political observers, the formation of a new committee by the dissident faction may lead to a split in the TMC's vote bank, especially in regions where Ritabrata Banerjee has a strong following. However, the mainstream TMC leadership remains confident that the faction's influence is limited and that the party will emerge stronger from the internal challenges.
The situation continues to evolve, with both sides expected to take further steps in the coming days. The Real TMC faction has announced plans to hold a convention in July to formalize its organizational structure and outline its political agenda.
