Mamata Banerjee's Possible Congress Return Triggers TMC Split and Impacts Shiv Sena

Sources say West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been offered the post of All‑India Vice President of the Congress party, sparking speculation that she may dissolve or merge her All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) into Congress after nearly three decades. The proposal also includes a role for TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee in the Congress hierarchy. Within Congress, state leaders expressed concerns about admitting politicians facing corruption allegations, and the party scheduled a high‑level meeting in New Delhi to discuss the matter. The ruling BJP dismissed the rumours as politically motivated and questioned Banerjee’s relevance to Congress.

Analysts warn that a breakaway bloc of about 20 TMC MPs could join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), providing the BJP with additional parliamentary support. Such a shift would reduce the leverage of Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, whose seven MPs have been crucial for the NDA’s strength after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. A TMC rebellion could therefore reshape power dynamics in both West Bengal and Maharashtra, affecting coalition negotiations and state‑level power balances.