With internal factions claiming to represent the “real” Trinamool Congress, Mamata Banerjee’s prominence within the rebel bloc seems to be diminishing. Following the party’s fragmentation post the West Bengal Assembly election setback, discontent primarily targets party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Despite sporadic acknowledgments of Mamata as a “leader” or potential “advisor” by dissidents, a rift persists within the party.
The “Kalighat faction,” named after the party’s official headquarters at Mamata’s residence, remains loyal to her. Notably, dissident members, including Ritabrata Banerjee, have expressed a desire for Mamata to serve as an “advisor.” While some, like party veteran Arup Roy and certain MPs merging with the National Citizen Party of India, acknowledge Mamata’s leadership role, a new working committee formed on June 22 excluded both Mamata and her nephew.
During a media interaction in Delhi, Ritabrata highlighted the formation of the new committee without Mamata or her nephew’s inclusion. Seeking recognition as the All India Trinamool Congress, both factions are vying for the right to use the party’s election symbol. Ritabrata emphasized the need to return the party to its grassroots, criticizing its current familial orientation and asserting the fight against “individuals and families.”
