Trinamool Congress Infighting: Rival Factions Claim Control Over Kolkata Party Office

The internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress escalated on Friday when a faction led by Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee locked the party headquarters in Kolkata, leading to a standoff with supporters of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Mr. Banerjee, accompanied by MLAs including Firhad Hakim, Sandipan Saha, Javed Khan, and Akhruzzaman, arrived at the party office located near the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. They claimed control of the premises, stating, "We are the real Trinamool. This is our office. Trinamool's emotions are associated with this office." Mr. Banerjee said he had discussed rent-related issues with the owner.

In response, loyalists of Mamata Banerjee, including MLAs Kunal Ghosh and Baishwanar Chatterjee, arrived to stake their claim. Mr. Chatterjee told reporters that the party has a rent agreement valid until October 2027, asserting, "There is no party without Mamata Banerjee, and it is her office. I don't know at whose behest they are doing this. We will fight it in accordance with law." Mr. Ghosh accused the rival faction of being a "B team of the BJP" with direct support from the government and police.

The rebels erected a banner featuring their newly elected chairperson, Arup Roy, at the building. A banner with Mamata Banerjee's photograph and the party's name remained displayed.

The incident occurred a day after Mr. Banerjee and his MLAs met the Election Commission in Delhi to stake claim for the party. The EC has written to both factions—led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee—seeking responses regarding their claims and counter-claims about organisational elections and authorised signatories.

Mr. Banerjee was elected Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly on June 3, with the support of 58 MLAs. The rebel camp now claims support from 65 of the party's 80 MLAs.

The party office, known as the Trinamool Metropolitan office, is owned by Monotosh Saha. His company was contracted to set up stages for the party during election campaigns. However, after the assembly elections, the relationship soured, and Saha began demanding the property back.