The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a major internal crisis following its crushing defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form the government with a clear majority. Concerns over possible defections have intensified after nearly 10 MLAs skipped a key strategy meeting convened by party chief Mamata Banerjee, with only 70 out of 80 legislators attending, triggering speculation about internal rifts within the party.
However, party sources denied any dissent, stating that the absent MLAs had prior permission and that some were advised not to attend due to logistical or personal reasons. The meeting, held at Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata, was attended by senior leaders including national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh asserted that the leadership’s decisions would be final, while also alleging irregularities in the election process and accusing the Election Commission of favouring the BJP.
Despite the party’s clarification, signs of internal unrest surfaced soon after the results. Former minister and cricketer Manoj Tiwary openly criticised senior leader Aroop Biswas, accusing the government of serving vested interests and blaming it for the electoral defeat. He also alleged that his proposed sports hub project in Howrah was stalled and that he faced repeated humiliation during his tenure.
Further adding to the turmoil, party spokesperson Riju Dutta claimed that he received no support from party leaders after his house was attacked post-elections, stating that BJP leaders had instead come to his aid. Meanwhile, MP Dev publicly congratulated the BJP, reflecting growing unease within party ranks.
Amid rising dissent, some senior leaders have reportedly blamed Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership for the party’s poor performance. While TMC has maintained that these are personal views and not the party’s official position, the developments indicate that the party is grappling with a serious internal crisis following its electoral setback.