Trinamool Congress rebels push split, question Mamata Banerjee's leadership

After a crushing defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing its most severe internal crisis. Rebel Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar publicly accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of ignoring grassroots corruption, asking, "Why do you (the media) talk only about Abhishek? Where was she (Mamata) when leaders at the junior level demanded money for work to be done?" She announced that 20 of the party's 28 Lok Sabha MPs have sought separate seating in Parliament and are considering joining the BJP‑led NDA.

The dissent extends to the state legislature, where over 60 of the 80 newly elected TMC MLAs have aligned with expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee. Dastidar also gave a cryptic confirmation that actor‑turned‑politician Sayoni Ghosh and veteran leader Mala Roy may have joined the rebel camp, though the two could not be reached for comment. The faction is petitioning the Speaker to be recognised as the "real TMC" amid accusations of lawlessness, misgovernance, and unemployment in West Bengal.