In a significant political development, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suffered yet another setback in North Bengal as Gautam Deb resigned from the post of Siliguri mayor. The decision comes in the wake of the party's poor performance in the recently concluded assembly elections in 2026.
Gautam Deb steps down
Gautam Deb, a prominent TMC leader and the mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, submitted his resignation to the state government. Sources indicate that the resignation was prompted by the party's electoral rout in the North Bengal region, where the TMC failed to secure a majority of seats.
Electoral performance
The 2026 assembly elections proved to be a turning point for the TMC in North Bengal. The party, which had been striving to expand its footprint beyond its traditional strongholds, faced a significant defeat. Several key constituencies in the region slipped out of the TMC's grasp, leading to introspection within the party ranks.
Gautam Deb's resignation is seen as an acknowledgment of the party's diminished support in the region. Political analysts suggest that the TMC's loss in North Bengal can be attributed to a combination of factors, including anti-incumbency, organizational weaknesses, and the rise of opposition parties.
Impact on TMC
This development marks another blow to the TMC's ambitions in North Bengal, a region that has historically been a challenging terrain for the party. The resignation of a senior leader like Gautam Deb is likely to have repercussions on the party's morale and organizational structure in the area.
Party insiders reveal that the TMC leadership is now focusing on damage control and rebuilding strategies. Efforts are underway to address the grievances of local workers and to strengthen the party's base ahead of future elections.
Opposition reactions
The opposition parties have seized upon this development to criticize the TMC's governance and leadership. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left Front have both commented on the resignation, calling it a sign of the TMC's declining influence in North Bengal.
BJP leaders have demanded a thorough review of the TMC's policies in the region, while the Left Front has called for a political realignment to challenge the ruling party's dominance.
Future prospects
As the TMC grapples with this setback, the party is expected to announce new leadership for the Siliguri Municipal Corporation soon. The focus will be on reviving the party's fortunes in North Bengal and preventing further erosion of support.
Political observers believe that the TMC's ability to bounce back in North Bengal will be crucial for its overall political strategy in the state. The party's performance in the upcoming local body elections will be closely watched as an indicator of its recovery.
