Kolkata, Correspondent
The internal rebellion within West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken a dramatic turn, with senior party leader and former North Bengal Development Minister Rabindranath Ghosh setting a major condition for the return of rebel leaders to the party.
After joining the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, Ghosh claimed that disgruntled leaders and workers would be willing to rejoin the TMC if Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee temporarily sidelines her nephew and the party's National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, from active politics.
Rebels Blame Abhishek Banerjee for Party Crisis
Speaking to reporters, Ghosh alleged that Abhishek Banerjee lacks political experience and did not emerge through grassroots movements. He accused Abhishek's leadership of alienating senior party members by denying election tickets to more than 80 sitting MLAs and ministers while removing several veteran leaders from key organisational posts.
Ghosh also criticised political consultancy firm I-PAC, claiming that the organisation disrupted the party's traditional structure.
"I-PAC did not exist during the 2011 or 2016 elections. Suddenly, a group of young consultants began dictating how the party should function. They weakened the organisation built through years of struggle and then walked away," he said.
Questions Raised Over Mamata Banerjee's Authority
A longtime TMC district president, Ghosh questioned whether Mamata Banerjee still exercises full control over the party, suggesting that crucial decisions are now being taken by others.
According to the rebel camp, parallel committees have already been formed across several districts and at the state level. Ghosh claimed that a majority of leaders and MLAs in North Bengal have aligned with the dissident faction in what they describe as an effort to protect party workers' interests.
Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Yield
Mamata Banerjee has recently maintained that she will not bow to pressure from rebel leaders, arguing that doing so would weaken both the party and its organisational structure.
At the same time, reports indicate that the TMC leadership has kept communication channels open through its core committee in an effort to preserve party unity and maintain its legislative majority.
A representative of the rebel faction said the group remains open to dialogue but insists that any reconciliation must be based on "respect and principles."
Abhishek Banerjee's Reform Agenda
Supporters of Abhishek Banerjee argue that the party requires organisational reforms, greater professionalism and the induction of new faces to remain politically competitive. Accepting all the rebels' demands, they believe, would reverse those reforms.
Political observers say any resolution is likely to require a compromise, with both camps expected to negotiate a middle path as the TMC prepares for future electoral battles.
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