Mamata Banerjee, the chief of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), stated her faction’s valid claim over Trinamool Bhavan following the recent takeover of the party’s headquarters in Kolkata by a dissident group led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The assertion was made on Saturday during a Facebook Live session, amid escalating tensions within the party regarding its organisational control.

Banerjee emphasised that the office is leased until 2027, highlighting that the premises belong to an institution rather than to any single individual. She provided evidence of regular rental payments that have been documented through cheque records. According to her, the party incurs expenditures amounting to approximately Rs 1 lakh each month on maintenance, utilities, taxes, and other costs associated with the property.

While addressing the factional dispute, Banerjee expressed that any disagreements concerning the office should be resolved based on legal documents rather than political rhetoric. She clarified that her stance is not motivated by personal grievances against any party members.

Rebel Faction Takes Control of TMC Headquarters

The remarks from Banerjee followed a significant event where the rebel faction, under Ritabrata Banerjee and supported by senior leaders including Firhad Hakim, reportedly seized control of Trinamool Bhavan located on Kolkata’s EM Bypass. After returning from New Delhi, where they had dealings with the Election Commission, members of this group conducted meetings at the office and allegedly secured the premises by padlocking its gates.

This dissident faction claims to have fulfilled the necessary legal requirements with the property’s owners and announced plans to operate from Trinamool Bhavan henceforth. They proceeded to install a new signboard representing the All India Trinamool Congress, alongside naming senior Member of the Legislative Assembly Arup Roy as the newly appointed chairperson of the party.

In response to the takeover, Banerjee’s camp vehemently objected, accusing expelled party members of unlawfully entering the party headquarters. Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh declared that a formal complaint had been lodged with the police, asserting that the expelled leaders lack the organisational authority to occupy the party office.

Election Commission Proceedings and Future Developments

The ongoing confrontation between the factions is unfolding in the context of a recent hearing before the Election Commission, held on Thursday. During this session, the rebel group sought to be recognised as the legitimate Trinamool Congress, making their case for rights to the party’s name and election symbol. This high-stakes struggle for control is being closely monitored by the political community.

The Election Commission has mandated both factions to present their claims along with supporting documents by July 6, 2026. This directive sets the stage for a crucial period as both sides prepare to fortify their arguments for legitimacy within the party framework.

As this situation develops, the implications for the Trinamool Congress and its leadership dynamics could potentially reshape the political landscape in West Bengal. Observers are keenly awaiting the responses from both factions ahead of the impending deadline for document submissions.

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