Veteran Trinamool Congress leader Rabindranath Ghosh has joined the Ritabrata‑led rebel camp and called for the removal of Abhishek Banerjee from active politics. The move intensifies the party’s ongoing split and could reshape West Bengal’s political landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • Veteran leader Rabindranath Ghosh joins rebel faction and urges removal of Abhishek Banerjee
  • Rebels have set up parallel state and district committees, deepening the TMC split
  • The split may dramatically alter West Bengal’s electoral calculations and power dynamics

COOCH BEHAR, July 12 — Long‑time Trinamool Congress (TMC) stalwart Rabindranath Ghosh officially aligned with the Ritabrata Banerjee‑led dissident camp on Sunday, demanding that chief minister Mamata Banerjee sideline her nephew Abhishek Banerjee from politics, at least temporarily. The announcement adds fresh fuel to an already volatile intra‑party war that has been simmering since the 2026 assembly polls.

Background and Recent Developments

Ghosh, a former North Bengal Development Minister and a trusted confidante of Mamata Banerjee, is expected to be named the rebel faction’s Co‑och Behar district president. His defection comes barely 24 hours after the rebels announced parallel state‑level and district‑level committees, effectively creating a shadow TMC structure. Senior figures such as former Birbhum strongman Anubrata Mondal have also jumped ship, signaling a shift from mere rebellion to the construction of an alternative party organization.

Targeting Abhishek Banerjee and I‑PAC

In a candid interview, Ghosh blamed Abhishek Banerjee and the political consultancy firm I‑PAC for the party’s poor performance in the recent assembly elections. “Abhishek’s whims led to the denial of tickets to over 80 sitting MLAs and ministers, crippling the party’s morale,” he asserted. He further questioned Mamata’s control, stating, “Power has moved elsewhere; even if Didi wanted to act, she can’t because key responsibilities lie with incompetent appointees.”

Political Implications

The deepening split threatens to destabilize West Bengal’s political equilibrium. If the rebel camp secures recognition from the Election Commission for the party’s symbol, name and finances, the state could witness two competing TMC entities vying for the same voter base. Opposition parties, especially the BJP, have already seized on the chaos. Union minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar remarked, “Both boats are sinking; it’s a matter of which one they board.”

Looking Ahead

The rebels’ next strategic move is to cement their claim over the TMC brand before the Election Commission. Success would force Mamata Banerjee to either reconcile with dissenters or face a fragmented party that could erode her electoral stronghold. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether West Bengal’s political narrative remains dominated by a single TMC or splinters into a multi‑faction contest.