Cracks Deepen In Trinamool Municipal Strongholds As 101 Councillors Resign

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 23:10 IST

TMC faces turmoil as 101 councillors resign and 17 leaders are arrested across West Bengal, with unrest in Abhishek Banerjee stronghold Diamond Harbour showing internal cracks.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing growing turbulence at the grassroots level after 101 councillors across multiple municipalities in West Bengal reportedly resigned, while 17 councillors and local leaders have been arrested in recent weeks amid allegations ranging from extortion to corruption.

Fresh political drama unfolded at Diamond Harbour Municipality on Monday, where eight TMC councillors submitted resignation letters together, drawing attention because the area is considered a political stronghold of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee.

The resignations come amid reports of internal rebellion, defections and unrest within Trinamool-controlled civic bodies following the Assembly election outcome.

According to available figures, resignations have been reported from:

• North Barrackpore Municipality – 15 councillors
• Garulia Municipality – 18 councillors
• Contai Municipality – 14 councillors
• Halisahar Municipality – 16 councillors
• Bhatpara Municipality – 30 councillors
• Diamond Harbour Municipality – 8 councillors

Total reported resignations: 101 councillors

At the same time, sources indicate that 17 councillors and local leaders linked to the party have been arrested across Bengal so far, intensifying pressure on the organisation.

Political observers say the developments point to a widening crack within Trinamool’s local leadership structure, particularly in urban civic bodies where dissatisfaction appears to be surfacing after the poll setback.

The developments in Diamond Harbour have drawn additional scrutiny, with analysts arguing that signs of unrest in an area associated with Abhishek Banerjee reflect deeper organisational strain.

Observers have linked the resignations and discontent to public resentment over allegations of extortion, corruption and local syndicate politics, issues that have remained politically sensitive in parts of the state.

Suspended former TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta reacted on social media, claiming the party was “falling like a house of cards" as councillors stepped down across municipalities.

Reacting to the wave of resignations, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul criticised the departing councillors and questioned their commitment to public service.

“This clearly shows how irresponsible they are, that when they were supposed to be with people, they behaved in this manner," Paul said.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly held a meeting with councillors from several municipal bodies, including Bidhannagar, Dum Dum and Baranagar, amid growing concern over defections and unrest.

According to sources, Banerjee conveyed a stern message to party members, saying: “We do not need workers who stay only when the party wins and leave after a defeat."

Sources also claimed the TMC leadership raised concerns that some councillors were being illegally detained, and said legal options were being explored.

The resignations and arrests mark one of the most visible signs of strain within Trinamool’s municipal network after the Assembly election results, with political fallout continuing across Bengal.

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