TMC Crisis Deepens: Kalyan Banerjee Rebels Against Abhishek, Rajya Sabha Resignations Mount

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently navigating through one of its most turbulent phases in political history. Like leaves falling from a tree in a storm, the party's strength appears to be diminishing day by day, while just a month and a half ago, the TMC was a formidable force, boasting the power of governance with over 200 MLAs and more than 40 MPs. However, the current scenario suggests a rapid disintegration where the party's internal structure is cracking, and its prominent leaders are distancing themselves from the core leadership.

The Unprecedented Post-Election Turmoil

In the history of Indian politics, it's rare to witness a party face such a rapid decline immediately after an election. The situation within the TMC mirrors the famous quote by British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who remarked that a week is a long time in politics. For the TMC, this transition has been so swift that it could become a subject of future political research. Every passing day brings news of high-profile resignations, leaving the party in a state of constant flux and uncertainty.

Kalyan Banerjee's Open Rebellion Against Abhishek

The most significant blow to Mamata Banerjee has come from one of her most trusted lieutenants, Kalyan Banerjee. The senior MP, who was recently appointed as the Chief Whip of the party in the Lok Sabha, has openly revolted. Kalyan Banerjee has issued a direct ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee, demanding that she choose between him and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. This internal friction reached a boiling point when Kalyan Banerjee refused to represent Abhishek Banerjee in a legal matter involving alleged fake signatures.

Kalyan Banerjee expressed his deep-seated anger during a media interaction, stating that he isn't an employee of Abhishek Banerjee. He accused Abhishek of disrespecting senior leaders and held him responsible for the party's recent electoral failures. Kalyan Banerjee further asserted that if Mamata Banerjee continues to move forward with Abhishek, he and others like him will find it impossible to remain within the party. This sentiment was echoed by his son, Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay, who noted that the family has decided to distance themselves from the matter, citing both political and personal grievances.

Legal Setbacks and CID Questioning

The rift between Kalyan Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee intensified when Abhishek reportedly stopped Kalyan from representing him in the Calcutta High Court regarding the fake signature case. Following this, the Calcutta High Court ordered Abhishek Banerjee to appear before the CID by 6 PM. Abhishek, upon returning from Delhi, reached the CID office at Bhabani Bhawan in Kolkata to comply with the court's directive. Despite his appearance, the court didn't provide any immediate major relief in the ongoing investigation.

Exodus from the Rajya Sabha

The party's strength in the Rajya Sabha has also seen a significant decline. Today, Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from both his parliamentary seat and the party. His resignation has been accepted. Explaining his decision, Baraik stated that the mandate in West Bengal was clearly in favor of the BJP, noting that the TMC failed to win even a single seat in his constituency. He expressed his intention to follow the directions of Suvendu Adhikari in the future.

With Prakash Chik Baraik's exit, the TMC's strength in the Rajya Sabha has dropped from 13 to 10 members. This follows a series of resignations that began with Sukhendu Sekhar Ray on June 8, 2026, followed by Sushmita Dev on June 10. The rapid loss of three Rajya Sabha members within a short span has further weakened the party's position at the national level.

Shatrughan Sinha and Loyalists Provide Brief Relief

Amidst the chaos, there were moments of suspense regarding the loyalty of other senior leaders. Shatrughan Sinha sparked rumors of a potential exit after he posted a congratulatory message on social media for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12 years in office. However, Sinha later clarified his stance, stating that Mamata Banerjee stood by him during his difficult times, and it's his moral and political duty to remain with her. Similarly, Babul Supriyo and Pratima Mondal have also reaffirmed their loyalty to Mamata Banerjee, stating they've no intention of leaving the party.

Calcutta High Court's Blow to TMC Strategy

Adding to the party's woes, the Calcutta High Court delivered a legal blow regarding the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). The TMC had filed a petition seeking a stay on the appointment of Ritabrata Banerjee as the LoP. However, the court refused to grant any immediate relief or stay on the appointment. This means that Ritabrata Banerjee, a rebel MLA, will continue to serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, representing a significant tactical defeat for the TMC leadership.

Reaction from Political Allies

The internal crumbling of the TMC has not gone unnoticed by its allies. Leaders from parties like the Shiv Sena and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who have experienced similar internal splits in the past, have expressed their concern and anger over the situation, while while they're in no position to intervene, their reactions highlight the broader impact of the TMC's internal crisis on the opposition landscape.

As the situation evolves, the TMC finds itself at a crossroads. The conflict between the old guard, represented by leaders like Kalyan Banerjee, and the new leadership under Abhishek Banerjee, has created a deep divide that threatens the very existence of the party's current structure. Whether Mamata Banerjee can bridge this gap and prevent further disintegration remains to be seen.