Mamata-led TMC faction files complaint against rebels over misuse of party name

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed a police complaint against a group of rebel leaders, accusing them of criminal impersonation, forgery and the unauthorised use of the party's name and logo. The complaint was lodged by TMC MP Dola Sen on behalf of the Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). It alleges that the rebel leaders held unauthorised meetings, circulated false documents and electronic communications, and falsely projected themselves as representatives of the party.

The action comes after a group of rebel TMC MLAs announced a self-styled TMC national working committee and began holding meetings at multiple locations.

On June 22, a rebel faction within the Trinamool Congress announced the formation of a self-styled National Working Committee and named Arup Roy as its chairperson, while proposing that Mamata Banerjee assume a mentor's role. The move drew a sharp response from senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, who accused the dissidents of misusing the party's name and symbol and betraying Banerjee's leadership. Ghosh also alleged that some rebel leaders were acting under pressure and asserted that the people of West Bengal would reject any attempt to undermine the party's official leadership.

ABHISHEK BANERJEE LEFT OUT OF THE NEW NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE

Notably, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was left out of the newly announced National Working Committee, a move that is likely to fuel speculation over internal divisions and shifting loyalties within the party. Rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee claimed the committee had been constituted in accordance with the party's constitution and said the proceedings of the special session would be communicated to the Election Commission. He added that the faction would soon constitute district committees, a state unit and a panel of spokespersons as part of its organisational expansion.

While asserting that the dissident group represented the "real" Trinamool Congress, Ritabrata adopted a conciliatory stance towards party supremo Mamata Banerjee, saying she would be welcome to serve as the faction's chief adviser if she wished. "If Mamata Banerjee wants to be the chief adviser, she is most welcome," he said.

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