Another Blow After Poll Loss? TMC Faces Crisis Over Claims 50 MLAs May Split Or Join BJP

Last Updated:June 02, 2026, 20:32 IST

Since the poll defeat, the party has been dealing with signs of internal strain and growing dissatisfaction among sections of its leadership.

Is the Trinamool Congress heading for a split? The question has gained momentum after reports and claims of internal unrest within the Mamata Banerjee-led party, which ruled West Bengal for 15 consecutive years before losing power in the 2026 Assembly elections.

The election results marked a major political shift in the state, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning 207 of the 294 seats and forming the government. The TMC was reduced to just 80 seats.

Since the defeat, the party has been dealing with signs of internal strain and growing dissatisfaction among sections of its leadership. Reports of disagreements, organisational issues, and allegations of corruption have added to the pressure on the party’s top leadership.

There have also been resignations and allegations from former insiders, who have questioned the functioning of the party leadership, including concerns over the growing influence of key figures in the organisation.

How Did The Controversy Start?

The latest controversy began after suspended TMC leader Riju Dutta made sensational claims about a possible rebellion within the party. Speaking to News18 Hindi on Monday, Dutta had alleged that more than 50 of the party’s 80 MLAs had held a meeting at a hotel in Kolkata and were considering forming a separate faction.

He claimed that this group saw itself as the “real Trinamool" and was planning to approach the Assembly Speaker with a new list of legislators.

Dutta also alleged that the group was exploring the idea of a separate political identity and, in some cases, even discussing a possible shift towards the BJP. He further claimed that discussions were underway about projecting a new Leader of the Opposition from within this group.

According to him, multiple MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were also in contact with the BJP.

Reactions Within The Party

The allegations triggered strong reactions from within the TMC. Party leaders dismissed the claims of a coordinated rebellion and accused the suspended spokesperson of spreading misinformation.

Expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee strongly denied the allegations, saying he had no knowledge of any such meeting or organised faction. He called the claims baseless and said he was considering legal action for defamation.

The expelled leader made it clear that he has no knowledge of, or involvement in, any organised plan to float a separate legislative outfit. He explicitly refuted Dutta’s claims that a secret meeting had taken place to build a rebel bloc capable of bypassing anti-defection laws, News18 reported.

BJP Rejects Defection Talk

The BJP, which now governs West Bengal, has also responded to the claims of possible defections. Earlier, State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the party would not accept leaders from the TMC.

Bhattacharya strongly asserted that there will be no “Trinamoolisation" of the BJP and stated that the party’s victory was based on public mandate and not on importing leaders from rival parties

“Our doors are closed for TMC. We reached the number 207 without importing anyone. The people voted against the leaders of TMC. Our political strategy this time started from the bottom," he said. “How can we include the people who are tainted in our party? Trinamoolisation of BJP will never happen."

About the Author

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ...Read More

News india Another Blow After Poll Loss? TMC Faces Crisis Over Claims 50 MLAs May Split Or Join BJP

Read More