Deepening Rift in TMC as Internal Discontent Emerges Over Leadership Decisions Following Electoral Defeat

The dissatisfaction among MPs has been linked to the appointment of Kalyan Banerjee as Chief Whip of the party in the Lok Sabha. Prior to this change, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar held the position of Chief Whip and was removed from the role, a move that has triggered significant resentment among women MPs within the party.

According to internal sources, women MPs have taken a rebellious stance following this leadership decision. The Trinamool Congress holds 28 Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, out of which 11 are women, further intensifying the significance of the unrest within the women’s bloc of the party.

Reports, including those cited by The Indian Express, have also alleged that Kalyan Banerjee has faced repeated accusations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior towards women MPs. These allegations have contributed to heightened dissatisfaction among female parliamentarians. The tensions within the party are further compounded by previous incidents, including a reported altercation between Kalyan Banerjee and MP Mahua Moitra last year, which had earlier led to his removal from the Chief Whip position.

Kalyan Banerjee had resigned from the post of Chief Whip in August 2025, a resignation that was accepted by Mamata Banerjee at the time. However, party sources indicate that his recent return to a key organizational role was influenced by the party leadership’s satisfaction with his involvement in handling legal matters and issues related to post-election violence.

The growing internal discord has raised concerns about factionalism within the Trinamool Congress, with fears of a potential split emerging as dissatisfaction deepens among a section of MPs. The situation highlights escalating tensions within the party’s parliamentary unit at a politically sensitive time.

Ultimately, the unfolding crisis underscores a serious challenge for the party leadership as internal divisions, leadership decisions, and allegations of misconduct converge, placing the Trinamool Congress under intense political scrutiny.