Shillong: The Trinamool Congress is facing a severe existential crisis as a widespread internal rebellion threatens to dismantle the party following its recent defeat in the West Bengal state elections. A significant faction of elected representatives is currently seeking official recognition as the original party, echoing political shifts seen recently in Maharashtra.
In the West Bengal Assembly, 58 out of 80 Trinamool MLAs have formally staked their claim to the party name. This move has been mirrored in New Delhi, where 20 out of 28 Trinamool Lok Sabha MPs have reportedly approached the Speaker’s office with a similar request. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a physician and former party Whip, is allegedly coordinating the dissident efforts among parliamentarians. She reportedly maintains that since her removal as Whip has not been officially registered with the Speaker, she retains her position while pushing for the breakaway group to align with the National Democratic Alliance.
The exodus has also reached the Rajya Sabha. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, a 77-year-old MP, announced his resignation from both the Upper House and the party on Monday. Roy had previously drawn the leadership's ire for publicly supporting protesters seeking justice following the August 2024 rape and murder of an intern at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. He had also been vocal in his criticism of corruption within the party.
Observers note that the organization is crumbling under the weight of scandals, factionalism, and a growing disconnect between the leadership and its grassroots base. Critics argue that the party has lost its way, stating, "The Trinamool is facing an internal crisis within about a month of its defeat in the state election." With Mamata Banerjee facing increased scrutiny over her party's internal governance and reliance on professional consultants, the Election Commission and parliamentary presiding officers now hold the authority to decide the legitimacy of these competing factions.
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