A surprising meeting in New Delhi has resulted in the most significant division in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) since its establishment 28 years ago. This event has led to a faction of 60 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) asserting their claim to the party’s legislative leadership in West Bengal. The occurrence, described as ‘accidental,’ took place on May 22, 2026, and has since prompted a notable shift in the political landscape within the state.

Events Leading Up to the Meeting

The origins of these developments can be traced back to the West Bengal Assembly election results announced on May 4, 2026, which unveiled underlying tensions within the TMC. Following the results, the attendance at party meetings reportedly declined, signaling waning confidence in the leadership and rising concerns regarding organisational matters. Amid these tensions, dissatisfaction grew over internal power structures within the party, particularly the increasing influence of Abhishek Banerjee, a Member of Parliament. This turmoil was compounded by existing controversies that strained the cohesion of the party.

The situation escalated as various factions within the TMC began to openly express their dissent, culminating in heightened speculation regarding potential realignments within the party structure. The growing unease reflected not just a reaction to external pressures but also a profound shift in relationships between key players in the organisation.

The Moment of Confrontation

The pivotal moment occurred during the brief encounter between Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee at Bengal Bhavan. Banerjee, representing Uluberia East, characterised their meeting as informal and brief. According to his account, Adhikari inquired about his stay at the guest facility while Banerjee explained he was there to finalise procedures related to vacating his accommodation. In this exchange, Adhikari also mentioned that invitations were being extended to opposition MLAs for administrative meetings, indicating a willingness to engage with dissenting voices.

Although both initially described the meeting as a routine interaction, the political ramifications became apparent shortly thereafter. Speculation about future alignments began to circulate among political aides and insiders, setting the stage for significant changes within TMC.

In the wake of the meeting, the momentum for rebellion intensified. Banerjee emerged as a leading figure representing a faction that would grow to include 60 of the 80 TMC MLAs, ultimately challenging the party’s established leadership.

Responses and Consequences

The developments escalated rapidly after the meeting, culminating in Banerjee’s faction officially asserting their role within the legislative assembly. They submitted their signatures to the Assembly Speaker, who subsequently recognised their claims and allocated space for the new opposition leadership. In a critical move, the rebel MLAs elected Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition, effectively displacing the existing leadership structure within TMC.

This marks the first formal split in the party since its founding in 1998 by Mamata Banerjee after a break from the Congress party. In quick succession, the TMC leadership responded by dissolving all organisational committees and frontal wings operating across West Bengal, signalling a desperate need to regain command amidst an escalating crisis.

What commenced as an unplanned meeting in New Delhi has morphed into a profound political realignment within the ruling party of West Bengal, exposing deep-seated fractures and presenting a severe challenge to the current leadership. The future of TMC amidst this upheaval remains uncertain as it navigates this unprecedented situation.

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