TMC faction accuses BJP of seizing party offices across West Bengal

A faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of taking over party offices across the state. The allegation comes after rebel TMC members reportedly locked the party's Kolkata premises, escalating an internal power struggle.

Saugata Roy, a senior leader from the Banerjee faction, said on Thursday that the BJP was 'systematically capturing' TMC offices in various districts. 'They are taking over our offices across Bengal. We have reports from multiple districts where our party offices have been occupied by BJP workers,' Roy claimed.

The immediate trigger appears to be an incident at the TMC's state headquarters in Kolkata, where supporters of a rebel group reportedly locked the building, preventing Banerjee loyalists from entering. The rebels, aligned with former TMC leader Mukul Roy, have been challenging the leadership of Mamata Banerjee in recent weeks.

Political analysts view the developments as part of a broader realignment in West Bengal politics, with several TMC legislators and leaders switching to the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has denied any role in the internal disputes of the TMC, calling the allegations a diversionary tactic.

Neither the TMC nor the BJP has provided independent verification of the claims regarding office seizures. The state police have not commented on any specific incidents of forcible occupation.

This story is based on statements made by Saugata Roy and reports from local media. The situation remains fluid, and further details are awaited.