The break-away rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, the Democratic Trinamool Congress (DTC), has suffered another major setback. Sabina Yasmin, the Mothabari MLA, has resigned from her post as the President of the faction’s Trinamool Mahila Congress.

In her official resignation letter, Yasmin cited personal health issues as the primary reason for stepping aside. However, she explicitly clarified that while she is relinquishing her organizational designation, she is not severing ties with the party itself.

A Telling Omission in the Resignation Letter

Political observers noted a significant nuance in Yasmin’s letter: she addressed Biplab Mitra as the President of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). Conspicuously missing from her letter was any mention of the “Democratic Trinamool Congress”.

From the onset of the political rift, leaders loyal to Banerjee have maintained that they represent the authentic Trinamool Congress. Analysts suggest that the phrasing in Yasmin’s letter—originating from a prominent politician in Malda district may signal a subtle alignment back toward the mainstream party apparatus.

Mounting Disqualification Notices and Ongoing Re-Defections

Yasmin’s resignation comes amid intensifying legal pressure from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. The AITC leadership recently approached the Supreme Court seeking the disqualification of 10 rebel MLAs who defected to the Banerjee camp. Simultaneously, senior legislator Sovandeb Chattopadhyay submitted a written petition to the Assembly Speaker requesting disqualification proceedings. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly Secretariat subsequently issued formal notices to all 10 legislators, including Yasmin.

These legal moves follow an ultimatum from Mamata Banerjee offering a 15-day window for breakaway legislators to return. The Kalighat leadership has repeatedly asserted that several rebel MLAs are eager to rejoin. Prior to Yasmin’s step down, Amdanga MLA Kashem Siddiqui and Basirhat North MLA Tausif Rehman both returned to the fold, claiming they had been misled into joining the rebel group.

Commenting on the development, DTC MLA Prasun Banerjee from Chanchal stated: “I was not aware of this beforehand. She is indeed suffering from health issues, and her decision based on medical grounds should be respected.”

Backgrounder: The Formation of the Democratic Trinamool Congress

1. The Split in Trinamool Congress

Following the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, internal friction within the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) reached a flashpoint. Ritabrata Banerjee, a former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP who had joined Trinamool Congress and won as an MLA, led a major rebellion against the party leadership. Securing the support of a significant legislative bloc, Banerjee challenged the party high command.

2. Appointment as Leader of the Opposition

In June 2026, the Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly recognized Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition after he demonstrated two-thirds legislative support among the rebel group, formalizing a severe structural split within the ruling party.

3. Election Commission Ruling and Name Allocation

In September 2026, the Election Commission of India recognized the split as a substantive political dispute and issued an interim ruling:

* Ritabrata Banerjee’s Faction: Allocated the party name Democratic Trinamool Congress (DTC) along with the “Envelope” election symbol.
* Mamata Banerjee’s Faction: Recognized for election purposes as Mamata All India Trinamool Congress** with the “Football Player” symbol.

4. Legal Battles and Returning MLAs

Since its inception, the DTC has faced persistent legal challenges regarding MLA disqualification under the anti-defection law. The main Trinamool leadership has made active efforts to reclaim breakaway members, leading to a steady stream of re-defections back to the parent party.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share