TMC Crisis Deepens as Rebel Leader Urges Mamata Banerjee to Sideline Abhishek Banerjee
The internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified after another senior leader joined the dissident camp and publicly called for a major change in the party's leadership structure. Former North Bengal Development Minister Rabindranath Ghosh, who recently aligned himself with the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, said the party could regain unity if Abhishek Banerjee steps away from active politics.
Ghosh claimed that many leaders and grassroots workers who have distanced themselves from the party leadership would be willing to return if Mamata Banerjee took decisive action. According to him, the current divide within the organisation is closely linked to dissatisfaction over the growing influence of Abhishek Banerjee.
Explaining his position, Ghosh said he had interacted with several party functionaries and believed that keeping Abhishek Banerjee away from day-to-day political affairs, at least temporarily, could pave the way for reconciliation within the party.
The latest development comes as the battle between the Mamata Banerjee-led camp and the rebel faction has moved beyond political statements and into an organisational struggle. Both groups are now contesting control over the party structure, while the dissident camp has continued expanding its support base by inducting experienced leaders.
Ghosh, who served the party for more than two decades in key organisational roles, also criticised the influence of political consultancy firm I-PAC. He alleged that several decisions during previous elections, including candidate selection and organisational appointments, weakened the party and created dissatisfaction among senior leaders and workers.
He further questioned whether Mamata Banerjee continues to exercise complete authority over the organisation, claiming that important decisions were increasingly being taken by others within the party hierarchy.
The veteran leader argued that many experienced workers who had built the party over the years felt sidelined. He said leaders who had risen through grassroots politics were gradually replaced by individuals who lacked organisational experience.
Defending his decision to join the rebel faction, Ghosh maintained that he chose to stand with what he described as the larger section of party workers and leaders, particularly those from North Bengal.
Meanwhile, the political standoff has also drawn public attention. An opinion poll conducted by ABP Ananda sought views on whether Mamata Banerjee would take any action against Abhishek Banerjee amid mounting demands from rebel leaders. According to the survey, a majority of respondents believed the TMC chief was unlikely to take any strict action against her nephew, while a smaller section felt she could do so if it became necessary to protect the party's future.
With senior leaders continuing to shift camps and public criticism becoming more frequent, the internal battle within the Trinamool Congress appears far from over, adding another layer of uncertainty to the party's organisational future.
