West Bengal’s recent Assembly election has ended the Trinamool Congress’ long run in power, with the BJP forming the government. In the aftermath, the Mamata Banerjee-led party is witnessing an intensifying internal rift.
A large section of Trinamool legislators and parliamentarians has openly challenged the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. Of the party’s 80 MLAs, 60 are said to be backing expelled MLA Rithabrata Banerjee as the Opposition leader in the Assembly. In Parliament, 20 of the party’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs have reportedly decided to function as a separate bloc and have also indicated support for the BJP-led Union government.
The BJP, once a marginal force in the 294-member Assembly, has secured a two-thirds majority and is now in a position to consolidate its hold. The turmoil within Trinamool is being seen as part of this larger political churn, with allegations that fear of renewed action by central agencies could be pushing some leaders to distance themselves from Mamata and align with the BJP.
The split is also being linked to resentment over “family politics” and claims that Mamata has prioritised Abhishek Banerjee over other senior leaders. The article recalls how Suvendu Adhikari, once considered close to Mamata, left Trinamool over similar grievances and later joined the BJP—now serving as Chief Minister.
Amid the crisis, speculation has emerged about a possible Trinamool-Congress tie-up, which could help Mamata counter fresh challenges. For now, the party’s fracture is being viewed as a major setback, and whether Mamata can recover politically remains an open question.
