Rebel TMC Faction Claims Ouster of Mamata Banerjee as Party Chief

A faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has declared that Mamata Banerjee has been removed as party chief. The claim was made on Monday after a meeting of rebel party members at a private hotel in Kolkata.

According to sources, the meeting was attended by approximately 40 councillors from various municipalities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, as well as some former MLAs. The group referred to the gathering as a special session of the All India Trinamool Congress.

Speaking to reporters, former TMC MLA Debasish Kumar said, “This was a special session of the All India Trinamool Congress. A ten-member committee has been formed.” The committee is reportedly intended to function as a national working committee for the faction.

However, it is important to note that the official Trinamool Congress has not recognized this meeting or its outcomes. Mamata Banerjee remains the party's chairperson according to the party's official leadership structure. The rebel faction's claims are not endorsed by the party's established decision-making bodies.

Political analysts suggest that such internal dissent is not uncommon in large political parties, especially when leadership contests arise. The faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has not provided evidence of any formal resolution or authorization from the party's constitutional bodies.

This development comes amid ongoing political dynamics in West Bengal, where the TMC has been the ruling party since 2011. The faction's actions are seen by many as a challenge to Mamata Banerjee's authority, but the mainstream party has not yet issued a formal response.

As of now, the situation remains contained to a small group of dissidents. The majority of TMC councillors and legislators continue to support Mamata Banerjee's leadership.