TMC Rebels Challenge Mamata Banerjee Ahead of Civic Polls

A faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified its challenge to Mamata Banerjee's leadership by holding a second meeting with former Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) councillors. The group, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, is signaling its intent to assert influence ahead of upcoming civic elections.

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We are the real Trinamool Congress. We have the numbers and are the principal opposition in the state assembly. There can be no question about our legitimacy. We have constituted our national working committee and will soon announce our political programmes.

In response, the TMC's loyalist camp has taken legal action, filing police complaints alleging forgery and the unauthorized use of the party's name and symbol by the breakaway faction. This move highlights the deepening rift within the party as it navigates internal power struggles.

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The Martyr’s Day on July 21 is an emotion for each and every TMC worker and leader... We are the TMC and we are taking all preparations for the day. Our first choice would be to hold the rally in front of Victoria House.

Adding to the political maneuvering, both the Banerjee-led faction and the party loyalists have applied to Kolkata Police for permission to host the annual Martyr's Day rally on July 21. This commemoration, which honors youth activists killed in 1993 police firing, is a pivotal event in the TMC's calendar and a significant moment for Mamata Banerjee's political legacy. The rebel group has stated its determination to hold the rally, even if administrative restrictions are imposed.

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The party will observe July 21 regardless of administrative restrictions and will hold its programme even if permission for a conventional stage is denied. If necessary, it would be conducted from a Gypsy using a microphone, but it would not be cancelled.