Her remarks came shortly after Rajya Sabha MP and Bengali actor-turned-politician Koel Mallick resigned from the Upper House, adding to the series of setbacks for the TMC following the party's defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.

Addressing party workers, Banerjee said those who wished to leave the Trinamool Congress should do so before the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, one of the party's biggest annual political events. She alleged that several leaders were facing political pressure to switch sides but maintained that the party would move forward regardless of individual departures.

"Those who want to go may leave before July 21," Banerjee said, adding that the party would chart a new course after the commemorative rally. The TMC observes July 21 every year to remember the 13 people killed during a Youth Congress protest in Kolkata in 1993, an event that has become central to the party's political identity.

The latest controversy erupted after Koel Mallick resigned from the Rajya Sabha only a few months after taking oath as a Member of Parliament. Although she has not publicly disclosed the reason behind her resignation, her subsequent meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav fuelled speculation about her future political plans.

Koel's resignation has intensified concerns within the Trinamool Congress, which has witnessed multiple high-profile departures in recent weeks. Reports indicate that several former TMC MPs and leaders have either resigned or shifted political allegiance, reducing the party's strength in Parliament and triggering debate over internal unity.

Banerjee, however, attempted to project confidence despite the developments. She suggested that leaders leaving the party were doing so under external pressure and asserted that the organisation remained focused on rebuilding after its electoral setback. According to party sources, preparations for the July 21 rally are continuing as scheduled despite the political turbulence.

The developments have also prompted sharp political reactions. Opposition leaders have claimed the resignations reflect growing dissatisfaction within the TMC, while Banerjee's camp has rejected those allegations, insisting the party remains united and capable of overcoming the current phase.

Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial for West Bengal politics. Any further resignations before July 21 could influence the political narrative ahead of the rally, which is expected to serve as a platform for Banerjee to outline the party's strategy after the Assembly election defeat.

For now, attention remains firmly on whether more TMC legislators or parliamentarians decide to quit before the deadline set by the party chief, or whether the July 21 gathering succeeds in restoring confidence among the party's rank and file.

The veteran Trinamool Congress leader — once described by Banerjee herself as the party's "most colourful personality" — remains one of the few prominent former ministers and sitting MLAs who have publicly reaffirmed loyalty to Banerjee and her nephew, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, as the party's internal crisis has deepened over the past several weeks.

The rift traces back to the TMC's defeat to the BJP in West Bengal's May 2026 Assembly elections, which cost Banerjee both the chief ministership and, subsequently, control over large parts of her own party. A rebel faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, the sitting Leader of the Opposition, has since moved aggressively to establish what it calls the "real" Trinamool Congress — taking physical control of the party's Kolkata headquarters, Trinamool Bhavan, on July 3, a day after meeting Election Commission officials in Delhi to stake claim to the party's name and symbol. The rebel camp claims the backing of at least 58 of the party's 80 MLAs.

Mitra pushed back hard against the takeover from the start, arguing the rebel MLAs had no constitutional authority to restructure the party, since Banerjee remains its chairperson under the TMC's own constitution. His position has held even as the list of defectors has grown to include nearly every senior figure from Banerjee's 2011-2026 cabinet — Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Javed Khan, Jyotipriya Mallick and Arup Roy among them, with former West Bengal TMC president Chandrima Bhattacharya the most recent to cross over, resigning all her party posts on July 5 after Banerjee questioned her loyalty. Two other former ministers, Bratya Basu and Shashi Panja, have stayed publicly silent, neither reaffirming loyalty to Banerjee nor joining the rebels.

Banerjee has responded by consolidating what remains of her camp directly. On July 4, she announced she would personally take over as West Bengal TMC president — a post left vacant after Bhattacharya's exit — and inducted Mitra along with Kunal Ghosh as General Secretaries of the state committee. The rebel faction, for its part, has continued building out a parallel structure, naming former minister Biplab Mitra as its state president, Javed Khan as working president, and expanding to 17 district-level presidents earlier this week, including former Birbhum strongman Anubrata Mondal. Ritabrata has said the faction wants Banerjee to remain associated with the party as a mentor, while separately claiming that MLAs voted to remove her as chairperson altogether — a claim Mitra has rejected as procedurally impossible.

The standoff now sits partly in legal limbo. A petition challenging the Assembly Speaker's recognition of Ritabrata as Leader of the Opposition was denied interim relief, and analysts following the dispute suggest the fight over which faction legally controls the TMC's name, symbol and headquarters will likely need to be settled in court rather than through further organisational announcements from either side.

With July 21 — the date of TMC's traditional Martyrs' Day rally — approaching, both camps are widely expected to use the occasion as their next major show of strength.

The controversy emerged after Sayani Ghosh visited Baruipur in her Jadavpur parliamentary constituency following reports related to a 12-year-old girl's case that had drawn local attention. During the visit, tensions reportedly escalated, leading to an altercation that quickly became a subject of political debate.

According to TMC leaders, Ghosh faced hostile behaviour while interacting with local residents and party workers in the area. The ruling party has alleged that the incident was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern in which opposition supporters target prominent TMC leaders during politically sensitive visits.

The episode immediately triggered reactions across the state's political spectrum. TMC representatives claimed that their leaders have repeatedly been subjected to aggressive conduct while carrying out public engagements, citing earlier incidents involving party MP Mahua Moitra and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Party leaders argued that elected representatives should be allowed to meet constituents and assess local situations without facing intimidation or disruption. They maintained that political disagreements should not translate into confrontational behaviour on the ground.

Opposition parties, however, have rejected allegations of any organised misconduct. Their leaders contend that public representatives often face difficult questions from local residents, particularly when visiting areas linked to sensitive issues. They argue that criticism or public protests should not automatically be interpreted as political targeting.

The latest controversy comes at a time when political tensions remain high in West Bengal, where confrontations between rival parties frequently dominate headlines. With elections and local political battles continuing to shape public discourse, even routine constituency visits often acquire wider political significance.

Observers note that incidents involving high-profile leaders tend to attract heightened attention because they reflect the increasingly polarized political environment in the state. The reactions from both sides have once again highlighted deep divisions between the ruling TMC and opposition parties.

While details surrounding the confrontation continue to be debated, the incident has already become part of a larger political narrative being advanced by competing parties. TMC leaders are portraying it as evidence of growing hostility toward their representatives, while opposition figures insist that public accountability and political scrutiny remain legitimate aspects of democratic engagement.

As political reactions continue, the focus is likely to remain on the circumstances that led to the confrontation and whether any official complaints or further action emerge from the episode. For now, the incident has added another layer to West Bengal’s already charged political atmosphere.

The internal conflict within the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified, with the party's rival factions now taking their battle to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The faction led by Mamata Banerjee has formally submitted a revised National Executive Committee to the poll body, seeking to reinforce its claim over the party's organisational structure. The move comes amid a growing challenge from a rebel group headed by Rittabrata Banerjee, which is also preparing to stake its claim over the party's leadership, name, and election symbol. The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the power struggle that emerged following the party's disappointing performance in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Political observers believe the dispute could become one of the most closely watched organisational battles in recent years, with implications extending beyond state politics.

The revised organisational list submitted by the Mamata Banerjee camp names her as the party chairperson and Abhishek Banerjee as national general secretary. The list also includes senior leaders such as Chandrima Bhattacharya, Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen and Subhasish Chakraborty in key organisational positions.

According to party sources, the revised committee was finalised and sent to the Election Commission while the rival faction was simultaneously holding a special convention in New Town, Kolkata. The convention reportedly focused on creating an alternative national leadership structure for the party.

Rival Claims Intensify

The Rittabrata Banerjee-led faction has claimed that it enjoys majority support within the party's legislative wing. During its convention, the group announced a separate National Executive Committee that excluded both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee from leadership positions.

The rebel camp elected Arup Roy as chairperson, while Rittabrata Banerjee was appointed among the party's general secretaries. The faction has indicated that it plans to formally submit its organisational structure to the Election Commission in the coming days.

Meanwhile, several leaders who were earlier associated with the party's official organisational structure have reportedly been removed from key positions. The development highlights the widening divide within the Trinamool Congress.

Election Commission's Role

The dispute now centers on which faction represents the legitimate organisational and legislative majority of the party. Under election laws, the Election Commission has the authority to examine claims related to party leadership, organisational control, and ownership of election symbols.

Political analysts note that such cases typically involve scrutiny of party constitutions, support among elected representatives, and backing within organisational units. If the Election Commission is unable to reach a definitive conclusion, the matter could eventually move to the judiciary.

The confrontation comes at a sensitive time for West Bengal politics. The Trinamool Congress has dominated the state's political landscape for over a decade, making the outcome of the leadership dispute significant for both the party and its opponents.

With both camps preparing legal and organisational arguments to support their claims, the battle over the Trinamool Congress name, symbol, and leadership is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The Election Commission's decision could shape the future direction of the party and influence political alignments ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

Serena Bibi detained for allegedly coordinating a violent demonstration to free her husband from custody; comes days after the arrested assembly candidate was publicly paraded by police.

Dawn crackdown on political family

KOLKATA: In a sharp escalation of the ongoing law-and-order crackdown in West Bengal, the state police on Saturday morning arrested Serena Bibi, the wife of controversial Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jahangir Khan. She stands accused of mobilizing a violent mob, orchestrating an assault on federal and state security forces, and attempting to breach a police facility.

The 37-year-old was picked up by a special contingent following extensive review of security footage. According to local authorities, Serena spearheaded a large group of political loyalists who laid siege to the Falta police station earlier this week.

Violent bid to breach police custody

The charges against Serena stem from a highly volatile incident on June 16, when hundreds of supporters converged on the Falta station. Sources familiar with the matter said the demonstration quickly degenerated into a riot, with the crowd pelting heavy stones at the building and clashing with personnel on duty.

Initial reports indicate that the primary objective of the mob was to forcibly liberate Jahangir Khan from the lockup. Khan, a high-profile TMC assembly candidate from Falta, had been apprehended near the India-Nepal border on June 8 following a brief period on the run. He faces multiple serious criminal counts, including systemic financial extortion and issuing gang-rape threats to local village women.

Viral public parading fuels local tension

The situation in the South 24 Parganas district has remained electric ever since Khan’s arrest. In a series of highly unusual and widely shared videos, Falta police officers were seen publicly parading the prominent politician through the township streets on multiple occasions.

Timeline of Events in Falta Conflict:

┌─────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐

│ Date    │ Operational & Legal Developments                                │

├─────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤

│ June 08 │ Jahangir Khan apprehended at the India-Nepal border crossing    │

│ June 11 │ First public police parade of the accused through Falta streets  │

│ June 15 │ Second street parade; Khan seen holding ears, asking for pardon │

│ June 16 │ Mob attacks Falta police station; retaliatory lathi-charge      │

│ June 20 │ Khan's wife, Serena Bibi, arrested in morning raid              │

└─────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

During these security escorts, Khan was forced to walk in undergarments, holding his ears and folding his hands in a posture of public humiliation while apologizing to residents. The public spectacles drew severe criticism from legal circles but appeared to embolden his political opponents and infuriate his remaining factional base.

State orders zero-tolerance policy

The violent pushback at the police station prompted a direct response from the state's highest office. Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a stern directive on June 17, ordering law enforcement agencies to maintain an uncompromising stance against the agitators.

CCTV footage from the station courtyard captured chaotic scenes where police were forced to execute a heavy lathi-charge to disperse the protesters. In the ensuing panic, several demonstrators were seen jumping into waterlogged ditches near the boundary walls to escape the batons. State authorities confirmed that at least 27 individuals have been formally booked and arrested alongside Serena Bibi for their direct involvement in the rioting.

The fall of a local heavyweight

Jahangir Khan, known for cultivating a larger-than-life political persona modeled on aggressive cinematic characters, has long held a powerful grip over the Falta area, an integral part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency. However, his political fortunes plummeted following widespread allegations of booth capture and irregularities during the April 29 voting cycle.

Recent Grassroots Backlash Against Regional Leaders:

• Howrah: Local functionary Sanyasi Manna shaved and paraded with shoe garland.

• Namkhana: Village council member forced to return ₹5,000 "cut money" bribes.

• Kolkata: Protesters pelt eggs at cars of TMC lawmakers and councilors.

The Election Commission subsequently nullified that round, ordering a re-poll on May 21. Just 48 hours before the fresh voting, Khan abruptly announced his withdrawal from the race. Following a crushing electoral defeat where the opposition BJP secured the seat by a record margin, Khan vanished from his residence, prompting the filing of seven distinct criminal cases against him.

Heightened security at judicial facilities

With both the regional strongman and his spouse now behind bars, security has been heavily beefed up around the district court complexes and police outposts. Sources within the labor and home ministries indicate that additional central paramilitary units have been deployed across the Diamond Harbour belt to suppress any further attempts at coordinated political violence or public disruption.

TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay held talks with Amit Shah in Delhi, intensifying speculation over a rebel parliamentary bloc.

 Veteran Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday, a development that has added fresh momentum to speculation surrounding a growing rebel camp within the TMC's Lok Sabha contingent.

Sought appointment for days

According to sources, Bandyopadhyay had been trying to secure time with Shah for several days before the meeting finally materialised. The Kolkata North MP also met Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju during his Delhi visit, sources said.

Meeting with Yadav a day earlier

The Shah meeting came a day after Bandyopadhyay reportedly held discussions with senior BJP leader and Union minister Bhupender Yadav. He was accompanied during that visit by fellow TMC MP Satabdi Roy, who is also believed to be part of the dissident group. The two leaders spent close to an hour at Yadav's residence, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Rebel MPs eye Sunday huddle

Sources indicated that the group of dissident Trinamool MPs is likely to hold an important meeting on Sunday, where Bandyopadhyay could be projected as one of the lead voices. Plans are also reportedly underway for the rebel lawmakers to call on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, with a possible request for recognition as a separate parliamentary group.

From Lok Sabha leader to rebel face

Bandyopadhyay's political trajectory within the party has been closely watched in recent months. He had earlier served as the Trinamool Congress's leader in the Lok Sabha, a position he gave up after health setbacks, with TMC chief Mamata Banerjee subsequently handing the charge to Abhishek Banerjee. His latest meetings in Delhi have now raised questions about whether he could take on a leadership role within the breakaway group, should one formally take shape.

Curiosity over direct Shah meeting

While several rebel TMC MPs have met Bhupender Yadav in recent weeks, a direct meeting with the Union Home Minister marks a new development. Political observers say Bandyopadhyay's outreach to Shah signals a deepening of his ties with sections opposed to the current Trinamool leadership, and could shape the contours of any future bloc in Parliament.

Party colleagues hit out

The development has not gone unnoticed within the TMC. Senior leaders Kunal Ghosh and Kalyan Banerjee have publicly criticised Bandyopadhyay over his reported proximity to the dissident MPs, pointing to the widening cracks within the party's parliamentary unit.

With the rebel camp's numbers reportedly swelling and key meetings lined up over the coming days, all eyes will be on whether Bandyopadhyay's Delhi visit translates into a more formal role within the group — and how the Trinamool leadership responds to the growing internal dissent.

Twenty rebel TMC MPs, including Sayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy, will seek recognition as a separate group when they meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla tomorrow.

Twenty Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha MPs who broke away from Mamata Banerjee’s party will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi on Monday to press for recognition as a separate parliamentary group, party sources and officials said on Sunday.

Rebel deputation heads to Delhi

Sayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy, two MPs aligned with the rebel camp, left Kolkata for Delhi on Sunday morning. A picture from Kolkata airport showed the two departing together. Jagadish (Jagadish Chandra) Basunia, one of the rebel MPs, told reporters the group would seek formal recognition and arrangements to sit separately in the House.

“The delegation will request the Speaker to accept our letter and make arrangements for a separate bloc,” a source close to the rebels said, adding the drive is aimed at securing institutional space in the Lok Sabha ahead of the new session.

What the rebels will ask

According to initial reports, the rebel MPs will present the signatures and documentation showing the backing of 20 out of the 28 TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha. Under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law), a group backed by at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators can claim to be a separate faction and seek recognition from the Speaker or the Chairman.

TMC’s Lok Sabha strength and the arithmetic

TMC originally had 28 MPs in the Lok Sabha. With 20 MPs now aligned to the rebel camp, they have crossed the two-thirds threshold for the party’s parliamentary strength. That count, if accepted by the Speaker, would allow the group to be recognised as a separate entity — a step that could carry implications for seating, committee assignments and parliamentary procedure.

Party removals and fallout

Both Sayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy were removed from party posts by Mamata Banerjee on June 12. Sayoni had been serving as president of the party’s youth wing; Anrab Banerjee has been named to that post, party sources confirmed. Mala Roy was removed as president of the TMC women’s wing. The removals came amid intensifying factional tension after the party’s poor performance in recent elections.

Legal notices and family disputes

The political rupture has also produced legal moves. Baidyanath, son of MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has reportedly sent legal notices to senior leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Mahua Moitra and Kalyan Banerjee. He asserted that neither he nor his mother sought a ticket from the Barasat Assembly seat, signalling disputes over nominations and local claims.

Rebellion timeline and comparison

The split within the TMC accelerated rapidly after Mamata Banerjee’s electoral defeat. Results declared on May 4 were followed by a letter from rebel MPs to the Lok Sabha Speaker on May 18 seeking recognition as a separate group. A list of 19 names — including high-profile figures such as Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Yusuf Pathan and Shatabdi Roy — surfaced on June 12 with signatures attached.

Observers note parallels with the 2022 Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra, when a large group of MLAs broke away, prompting legal battles and a floor test. The final arbiter in such matters is often the Speaker or, if contested, the courts.

Impact on TMC’s strength

The rebellion has significantly reduced Mamata Banerjee’s parliamentary and legislative clout. In the Assembly, 58 of TMC’s 80 MLAs have reportedly joined the rebel camp, leaving the party with 22 MLAs. In the Lok Sabha, the split has left Mamata with only eight MPs. The Rajya Sabha has seen resignations too, with four of the party’s 13 members quitting in quick succession in June.

What to expect next

The ball now lies with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who will examine the rebel group’s claim and supporting documents. If he accepts their petition, the rebels can get recognition as a separate parliamentary group; if he refuses, the matter could move to the courts. TMC’s central leadership has the option to contest any such decision through legal channels, party insiders said.

For now, Delhi will host a crucial meeting that could redefine TMC’s parliamentary footprint — and reshape the party’s immediate political strategy.

Fresh political uncertainty has surfaced within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with reports indicating that a group of 18 party MPs may meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on June 8. The development has triggered speculation about a possible split within the party's parliamentary wing, just weeks after a rebellion in the West Bengal Assembly exposed internal divisions in the ruling outfit.

Sources familiar with the matter claim that the group is being led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who has emerged as one of the most vocal critics within the party in recent months. While there has been no official confirmation from the TMC leadership regarding the reported meeting, the developments have intensified discussions over the party's future political direction following recent setbacks in the state.

The speculation comes at a sensitive time for the party, which has been dealing with organisational challenges since the change of government in West Bengal. Political observers believe any significant movement within the parliamentary party could have wider implications for the opposition landscape at the national level.

Assembly Rebellion Sparks Concern

The latest reports follow a major political development in the West Bengal Assembly earlier this year. After the Assembly election results, a section of TMC legislators reportedly distanced themselves from the party leadership and formed a separate platform called the "Naba Trinamool Manch."

The group was led by Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, who demanded changes in the party's legislative leadership. The episode raised questions about growing dissatisfaction among certain sections of the party.

Political analysts suggest that the emergence of a similar pattern within the Lok Sabha could create fresh challenges for the TMC leadership as it attempts to maintain unity among its elected representatives.

Numbers Under Scrutiny

The TMC currently has 28 members in the Lok Sabha after the death of MP Sheikh Hazi Nurul Islam, whose constituency remains vacant pending a by-election. The party had secured 29 seats from West Bengal in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The reported figure of 18 MPs has attracted attention because it approaches the threshold required under anti-defection provisions. Constitutional experts note that any move involving a substantial portion of the parliamentary party could potentially alter the legal and political dynamics surrounding party recognition and legislative status.

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's name has featured prominently in recent political discussions after she was removed from the post of the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha. Since then, she has publicly expressed disagreements with the leadership of Mamata Banerjee on multiple occasions.

BJP Reacts to Reports

Reacting to the reports, Rahul Sinha claimed that the Trinamool Congress was facing increasing organisational challenges. He argued that internal conflicts were weakening the party's structure and diverting attention from broader political issues.

However, Sinha also stated that the BJP was not actively looking to induct leaders from the rival camp at present, indicating that the party was closely observing the situation rather than intervening directly.

For now, the reports remain unconfirmed. Neither the TMC leadership nor the MPs concerned have publicly announced plans for a breakaway group. Political attention will remain focused on the proposed June 8 meeting, which could provide greater clarity on whether the developments represent routine internal dissent or the beginning of a larger realignment within the party.

In a major jolt to the Trinamool Congress, 58 rebel MLAs have formally split from the party in the West Bengal Assembly, announcing a separate legislative faction on Wednesday. The group elected recently expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as its legislature party leader, escalating the internal crisis that has been brewing for weeks.

The development marks one of the largest recorded splits in the TMC since its formation. The rebel MLAs met Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose and submitted a formal letter of support for the new faction. They have also named Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha, and Siuli Saha as deputy leaders, with Akhruzzaman appointed as chief whip.

Rebels Reject Abhishek's Authority

While the breakaway group has reiterated its recognition of Mamata Banerjee as the party president, it has categorically rejected the leadership of her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and any decisions taken by him regarding the legislative party. Sources familiar with the matter said the rebels were particularly upset over what they claimed was high-handedness in handling Assembly affairs.

The immediate trigger for the rebellion was a letter sent on Abhishek Banerjee’s letterhead to the Speaker, proposing senior TMC leader Shovandev Chattopadhyay’s name as Leader of the Opposition. MLAs Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee alleged that their signatures were forged on the document.

Mamata Banerjee expelled both legislators from the party on Monday following their complaint. The expulsions appear to have backfired, triggering wider discontent within the ranks.

Dissolution of Party Committees

On the same day, Mamata Banerjee dissolved all state-level committees and frontal organisations of the TMC with immediate effect. Party leaders described the move as a step towards complete organisational restructuring. Fresh committees are expected to be announced soon.

Key Developments That Led to the Crisis

The current turmoil comes against the backdrop of several setbacks and internal rumblings in recent weeks.

On May 31, as many as 60 of the 80 TMC MLAs skipped a crucial meeting called by Mamata Banerjee. The meeting had to be postponed. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh had then said the absent legislators were busy preparing protests against alleged attacks on Abhishek Banerjee.

The same day, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed he was attacked by BJP supporters outside a police station in Hooghly. He alleged that around 10-15 men in saffron clothes pelted stones and abused him.

A day earlier, on May 30, Abhishek Banerjee himself was allegedly assaulted in South Sonarpur, with eggs and slippers thrown at him. The party claimed there was an attempt on his life and five persons were later arrested.

Earlier, on May 27, TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from all party posts. Her resignation came after she attended a meeting chaired by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

On May 20, only 35 MLAs turned up for the party’s first major protest after the Assembly election defeat. The protest was held near the Ambedkar statue in the Assembly complex against post-poll violence and anti-encroachment drives.

Photo from June 1 Shows Early Signs of Rebellion

A photograph from June 1 showed Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha in a meeting with other MLAs, signalling the early stages of the brewing discontent.

What Lies Ahead

The formation of the breakaway faction has raised questions about the future strength of the TMC in the Assembly and the stability of Mamata Banerjee’s hold over the party. Political observers note that while the rebels have stopped short of fully severing ties with Mamata, the open rejection of Abhishek Banerjee’s authority points to deep fissures within the organisation.

The Speaker’s office is yet to take a final call on the recognition of the new faction. The coming days are likely to see further political manoeuvring as both sides attempt to consolidate support.

The split comes at a time when the TMC is still recovering from its Assembly election performance and facing pressure from opposition parties, particularly the BJP.

Expelled Trinamool Congress leader Riju Dutta claims more than 50 of the party's 80 MLAs are ready to declare themselves the "real" TMC, as Mamata Banerjee leads a protest in Kolkata against alleged post-poll attacks on party leaders.

Rebel Faction Sharpens Claims

The Trinamool Congress is facing its most serious internal challenge in years, with expelled party leader Riju Dutta claiming that over 50 of the party's 80 MLAs are prepared to break away and declare themselves the legitimate face of the All India Trinamool Congress. The rebel group is also said to be seeking the Leader of Opposition post and the party symbol — moves that could trigger a formal split and a prolonged legal battle over the party's identity.

West Bengal minister Tapas Roy added fuel to the fire on Tuesday, saying plainly: "The party will break, which it should." His remarks, made amid an ongoing session of the state legislature, were among the most candid acknowledgements yet from within TMC ranks that the crisis may be irreversible.

Mamata Takes to the Streets

Even as the split speculation mounted, TMC Chairperson and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was on the ground in Kolkata, leading a sit-in protest at Rani Rashmoni Avenue against alleged post-poll violence targeting party leaders. Before arriving at the protest site, she paid floral tributes to B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on Red Road — a deliberate symbolic gesture, observers noted, ahead of what the party is framing as a democratic rights protest.

Several senior TMC figures were present at the site, including newly appointed Leader of Opposition Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Indranil Sen, and MP Kalyan Banerjee, who had earlier met Mamata at her Kalighat residence.

Abhishek Banerjee Among Those Allegedly Targeted

At the heart of the TMC's protest is the alleged assault on party National General Secretary and Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee. According to party leaders, a crowd attacked Abhishek and threw eggs at him — an incident the TMC says is emblematic of a wider pattern of politically motivated violence against its representatives in the wake of the state assembly elections.

Kalyan Banerjee, a senior TMC MP, was also said to have been targeted. The party has demanded strict police action and accused the state's new administration of allowing — and in some cases facilitating — the attacks.

Mamata Hits Out at Police, EVMs

Addressing supporters at the protest, Mamata Banerjee levelled serious allegations against law enforcement. "Cops are threatening our leaders. The CP of Chandannagar called our leader and asked him to resign, otherwise he would be arrested," she said, claiming TMC leaders across the state were being picked up in what she described as false cases.

She also renewed her challenge to the election results, alleging that the BJP had rigged counting in 177 of 294 assembly seats. "The EVMs have been hacked. We are maintaining peace, but the government is promoting lawlessness," she said. West Bengal's new Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, speaking separately on Tuesday, did not respond directly to the fraud allegations but issued statements on cultural nationalism, saying recitation of Vande Mataram had been made mandatory in all state schools.

Assembly Appointments, Speaker Standoff

The TMC moved to formalise its role in the new assembly on Tuesday, submitting appointments for its legislative team. Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay has been named Leader of Opposition, with Ashima Patra and Nayana Bandopadhyay as Deputy Leaders, and Firhad Hakim as Chief Whip.

However, the process hit a bureaucratic snag almost immediately. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said that when he and Ashima Patra went to the Speaker's office to submit the letter, the Speaker was absent. The office secretary reportedly told them the Speaker had verbally instructed that no letter be received. "What kind of custodian of democracy is the Speaker?" Ghosh said.

What Comes Next

The coming days are likely to be decisive. If the rebel MLAs formally declare their faction the "real" Trinamool and stake a claim to the party's symbol, the matter will move to the Election Commission — a process that can take months and has historically torn parties apart. For now, Mamata's counter-move appears to be keeping her core loyalists visible and vocal while the expulsion of rebel leaders signals she is not in a mood for negotiation.

Mamata Banerjee Files Nomination from Bhabanipur as Bengal Poll Battle Heats Up

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination papers from the Bhabanipur assembly constituency in Kolkata, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in the upcoming state elections. The move comes amid growing tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission over voter list revisions and official transfers.

High-Profile Clash in Kolkata Seat

Bhabanipur, a traditional TMC stronghold in south Kolkata, has emerged as one of the most watched constituencies in the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls. Mamata Banerjee, who has represented the seat in the past, arrived at the Survey Building to submit her papers. Shortly after filing, she addressed supporters, extending greetings across communities and pledging to work not just for Bhabanipur but for every corner of the state.

“I extend my greetings, my thanks, my respects, my salaam, my Jai Jinendra and Sat Shri Akaal to everyone. Today, as I filed my nomination, I want to say that along with the Bhabanipur constituency, I will work for every centre and every area. We will form the government,” Banerjee said.

Suvendu Adhikari Named BJP Candidate

The BJP has fielded Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, from the same seat. Adhikari, a former TMC leader who switched sides and defeated Banerjee from Nandigram in 2021, filed his nomination earlier on April 2. The direct contest between the two senior leaders has turned Bhabanipur into a symbolic battleground for urban and political dominance in Bengal.

TMC Delegation’s Tense Meeting with CEC

Meanwhile, a TMC delegation led by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien met the Chief Election Commissioner on Wednesday morning to raise concerns over the transfer of officials and the conduct of free and fair polls. The meeting lasted barely five minutes and ended on a sour note.

O’Brien later claimed that the CEC told the delegation to “get lost” within seven minutes. “The meeting started at 10:02 AM and ended at 10:07 AM. When we told him that you are transferring officials, and how you would want to conduct a free and fair election? And then he said, leave from here,” O’Brien alleged.

ECI Urges Decorum, Denies Allegations

Election Commission sources, however, countered the claim, stating that O’Brien was asked to maintain decorum in the Commission room. Officials described the behaviour as inappropriate and clarified that shouting is not acceptable during such meetings. The poll panel has repeatedly vowed to ensure fear-free elections in West Bengal, which is scheduled to vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

Massive Voter List Revision Sparks Row

The controversy comes days after the Election Commission released the final voter list following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Nearly 91 lakh names — about 11.85 per cent of the electorate — were deleted from West Bengal’s rolls since the exercise began last November. Of these, over 27 lakh were removed after judicial scrutiny of cases placed under adjudication.

The deletions have reduced the state’s electorate significantly, from around 7.66 crore to roughly 6.75 crore. TMC leaders have questioned the timing and scale of the revisions, while the Commission maintains the process was aimed at cleaning up the rolls and removing ineligible entries.

Broader Poll Landscape in Eastern States

As activity intensifies in Bengal, polling preparations are in full swing in other states going to the polls shortly. Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are set to vote in a single phase on April 9, with campaigning concluding on Tuesday evening. EVMs and polling materials have already been dispatched to booths across these regions.

In Tamil Nadu, senior DMK leaders including Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin continued their campaign trail on Wednesday, highlighting welfare schemes such as housing for over 10 lakh people and free laptops for students.

Opposition Voices and Campaign Rhetoric

BJP leaders, meanwhile, have kept up their attack on the TMC government. Senior BJP MP Nishikant Dubey stressed the need to restore Bengal’s identity, while other candidates raised issues of law and order and women’s empowerment. The party released its sixth list of candidates for the state recently.

The Trinamool Congress has accused the poll body of bias and demanded a level playing field. The Election Commission has dismissed such charges and called for all parties to cooperate in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

What Lies Ahead for Bengal Voters

With nominations underway and the model code of conduct in force, the focus now shifts to campaigning and ground-level mobilisation. The Bhabanipur contest is expected to draw national attention as a test of strength between Banerjee and Adhikari. Larger issues such as voter list accuracy, official neutrality, and development promises will dominate the narrative in the days to come.

The final electoral rolls are now frozen, and the stage is set for what promises to be a fiercely fought assembly election in West Bengal. Both the ruling TMC and the BJP are leaving no stone unturned to consolidate their support bases ahead of the crucial polling dates in late April.

Dilip Ghosh Compares West Bengal to Bangladesh Over Idol Desecration

BJP leaders have hit out at the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government following reports of a Lord Ram idol being vandalised in Nandigram.

Tensions rise in Nandigram

Political temperatures have soared in West Bengal after a Lord Ram idol, being sculpted for upcoming festivals, was found vandalised in Nandigram. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday over the issue.

Ghosh claimed that the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated drastically, drawing parallels with neighbouring Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader alleged that the desecration of temples and religious structures has become a frequent occurrence under the current regime.

Comparing Bengal to Bangladesh

Ghosh, who is contesting the assembly polls from the Kharagpur Sadar seat, stated that religious minorities and their places of worship are facing continuous neglect. He alleged that these activities are thriving under the direct patronage of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the TMC administration.

"The condition of Bengal has become like that of Bangladesh. There, it is common to demolish temples and have thefts in temples," Ghosh told the media. He added that the electorate needs to usher in a change of guard to restore administrative accountability.

LoP shares incident video

The controversy gained momentum after the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, shared a video of the vandalised idol on social media. The incident reportedly took place late on March 21 at Bheturia in Nandigram Block 2.

According to officials, local artisans were giving finishing touches to the idol when unidentified miscreants severed the head of the sculpture under the cover of darkness. The incident has left local residents agitated and sparked protests by local BJP functionaries.

Ruling party denies allegations

Adhikari attributed the vandalism to alleged appeasement politics by the state government. He claimed that administrative inaction has emboldened anti-social elements, making it difficult for citizens to practice their faith without fear.

The TMC leadership has routinely dismissed such allegations in the past, accusing the opposition of using religious polarisation for electoral gains. Administrative sources indicated that police deployments have been increased in the sensitive pockets of Purba Medinipur district to maintain peace and order.

Context of upcoming polls

The verbal sparring comes at a time when political activities are peaking across the state. Both the TMC and the BJP are locked in a high-stakes narrative battle, with administrative failures and communal harmony emerging as major poll planks.

The Nandigram assembly segment remains a highly sensitive zone. Adhikari, who holds a strong support base in the area, has been consistently vocal about local security concerns and administrative lapses.

Public interest and security

The local police have initiated an investigation into the Bheturia bus stand vandalism case. While no arrests have been formally announced yet, officers stated that the situation remains under control and visual surveillance is being ramped up.

With multiple festivals around the corner, ensuring communal harmony remains a top priority for the local administration. Civil society members and local peace committees have urged the public to refrain from falling prey to rumors or unverified social media forwards.

Future outlook for state

Political observers note that such polarising rhetoric is likely to intensify as the state heads deeper into its electoral cycle. Both camps are expected to leverage local incidents to consolidate their voter bases in the coming weeks.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) and state observers are keeping a close watch on inflammatory speeches. Whether this specific incident shifts the electoral needle in the Medinipur belt remains to be seen in this fast-moving West Bengal News cycle.