The Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has held power in West Bengal for 15 consecutive years, is currently navigating a period of intense turmoil following its defeat in the assembly elections. Founded in 1998, Mamata Banerjee's party is now confronting what many observers describe as its most significant existential crisis to date. After a stinging loss to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party is grappling with its first major open rebellion, creating a divide between those who are vocally supporting the Chief Minister and those who have retreated into silence.
The Silence of the Tollywood Brigade
One of the most striking aspects of the current crisis within the TMC is the unexpected silence of the 'Tollywood Brigade'. Since the party's inception, Mamata Banerjee has heavily relied on personalities from the worlds of cinema, television, and sports to bolster the party's public image and electoral prospects. This strategy dates back to 2001, just three years after the party's formation, when veteran actress Madhabi Mukherjee was fielded against the then Chief Minister and CPI(M) stalwart Buddhadeb Bhattacharya in the Jadavpur constituency.
Over the years, Mamata Banerjee successfully blended her firebrand political persona with glamorous faces, leading to the election of numerous actors, directors, singers, and athletes as Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly. However, since the electoral defeat on May 4, many members of this brigade have gone quiet. Despite the rebellion led by Ritabrata Banerjee, figures like Shatabdi Roy, Tapas Paul, Dev, and Mimi Chakraborty have not been as vocal as expected. Other prominent names in this group include Nusrat Jahan, Rachana Banerjee, Sayantika Banerjee, Sayani Ghosh, Soham Chakraborty, Hiran Chatterjee, June Malia, Kanchan Mallick, Koushani Mukherjee, and director Raj Chakraborty.
Loyalists Standing Firm with Mamata
Despite the growing dissent, several senior leaders continue to stand firmly by Mamata Banerjee. Senior MP Kalyan Banerjee has been a visible presence at the Chief Minister's dharnas and public meetings. He has actively challenged the legal validity of the newly formed rebel faction and has indicated a preference for legal recourse. Similarly, former MP Derek O'Brien has remained a steadfast supporter, appearing alongside Banerjee at meetings in Kalighat and during various protest programs.
Other loyalists include Dola Sen, a long-time associate who has been present at the dharna sites and continues to attend almost all of Mamata Banerjee's programs despite the party's loss. Chandrima Bhattacharya, a former minister and lawyer who handled crucial portfolios like Health and Finance, also remains a constant presence. Even after her defeat in the Dum Dum seat, she has been seen on stage right next to the Chief Minister. Babul Supriyo, the singer-turned-politician who joined the TMC from the BJP, has also declared his unwavering support. In two lengthy Facebook posts, the Rajya Sabha MP stated that he would stand by 'Didi' in bad times, regardless of the circumstances.
The Rebels and the Disillusioned
The most significant threat to the party's stability comes from former MP Ritabrata Banerjee, who is now attempting to position himself as the Leader of the Opposition. He, along with 58 other MLAs, submitted a letter to the Assembly Speaker claiming to be the "real" Trinamool Congress. This move represents a direct challenge to the leadership of Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the MP from Barasat, has also adopted a rebellious stance. Following the election results, she resigned from all her party positions and publicly expressed her dissatisfaction, even attending a meeting called by Suvendu Adhikari. Meanwhile, Manoj Tiwari, the cricketer-turned-politician who lost to BJP's Papiya Adhikari, announced his departure from the TMC on May 5. Upon his resignation, he launched a sharp attack on the outgoing Sports Minister Arup Biswas.
Uncertainty and Strategic Silence
Several high-profile members remain in a state of limbo. Sayani Ghosh, a vocal MP who joined in 2021, has maintained a surprising silence regarding the rebellion. While she was seen at a Kalighat meeting expressing loyalty shortly after the results, she has been absent from recent dharnas and meetings. Mahua Moitra, the MP from Krishnanagar, has also been largely absent from public view, though she did post on social media supporting Mamata and criticizing the rebels.
Senior leader Sudip Banerjee has remained relatively quiet, although his wife, Naina Banerjee, an MLA from Chowringhee, is frequently seen by Mamata's side. Bratya Basu, the former Education Minister who was often the party's face in the media, has also disappeared from the public eye and has not spoken to the press since the defeat. Actor Dev Adhikari further fueled speculation by congratulating the BJP on its victory on May 6, at a time when other TMC leaders were alleging electoral theft. As the party navigates this internal storm, the coming days will reveal who remains a permanent ally and who seeks a new political destination.