'TMC Will Not Survive': Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Says Trinamool MPs May Join Rebellion After MLA Revolt

Last Updated:June 07, 2026, 08:25 IST

The developments come after around 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs backed expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray on Saturday claimed that recent developments within the party could have far-reaching political consequences, including possible repercussions in Parliament.

Referring to the reported walkout of a large number of Assembly members, Ray said, “The incident where 60 out of 80 members completely walked out of the Assembly and declared a rebellion is unprecedented. This party will not survive."

He further suggested that the developments could extend beyond the state legislature and affect the party’s parliamentary ranks. “It is impossible that this will not have an impact on the MPs. Something major is about to unfold in the Lok Sabha very soon. After the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha will likely follow," he said.

Speaking on the possibility of a dispute over the party’s identity, Ray said the issue of the party symbol and name would be decided under established Election Commission procedures.

“The loss of the party symbol and name is a standard procedure. The Election Commission has specific rules regarding this," he said, adding that whichever faction secures the support of a majority of office-bearers would likely gain control.

“There are past precedents for this. Legal battles will ensue, and the matter will ultimately head to court," Ray added.

The developments come after around 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs backed expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.

Rebels MLAs Back Mamata

Several rebel MLAs who have backed Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition have nevertheless reiterated their allegiance to Mamata Banerjee, signalling that support for the new arrangement does not diminish her standing within the party.

At a meeting on Thursday, Ritabrata reportedly proposed that Mamata Banerjee could serve as the “chief adviser" to a restructured legislature party. The suggestion, however, did not sit well with a section of the rebel camp.

“We were told that the party would continue under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. She is not merely an adviser. We want the party to function under her leadership," rebel MLA Gulshan Mullick told PTI.

Mullick also indicated that the group’s future within the bloc could depend on Mamata’s position. “If Mamata Banerjee is not accepted as the supreme leader, then we will have to think whether we should remain in this bloc or not," he added.

Echoing a similar view, rebel MLA Sangeeta Roy Basunia rejected the idea of Mamata being confined to an advisory role. “She cannot be an adviser. She is our leader," Basunia said.

The remarks point to continuing loyalty towards Mamata Banerjee among many of the rebels, even as questions persist over the role and influence of Abhishek Banerjee in the legislature party. PTI reported that Mamata Banerjee has reached out to several MLAs and MPs in an effort to restore communication with dissident leaders.

Since breaking away from the Congress to establish the Trinamool Congress in 1998, Mamata Banerjee has remained the party’s undisputed face and a dominant force in West Bengal politics.

The ongoing turmoil is widely viewed as one of the most serious internal challenges of her political career, with multiple leaders openly voicing their dissent. Notably, concerns over the party’s leadership have also been raised by figures considered close to Mamata, including Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.

Mamata To Visit Delhi 

Former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit the National Capital for an INDIA bloc meeting. Although no official explanation was given for the visit, party leaders and political observers believe it may have been an effort by the TMC leadership to take stock of the situation ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting.

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