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Rebel TMC Meets Election Commission, Seeks Recognition as 'Real' Trinamool Congress Amid Major Political Split

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Kolkata
  • Jul 02, 2026
  • 101

A dissident faction of the  Trinamool Congress (TMC) has formally approached the  Election Commission of India , demanding official recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress following a dramatic internal split that has reshaped West Bengal's political landscape.

A 10-member delegation led by rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday and urged the poll panel to approve the faction's newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC) along with its revised organisational structure.

 

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Addressing the media after the meeting, Banerjee asserted that his group represents the authentic Trinamool Congress.

"We presented our case before the Election Commission. We believe we are the real TMC and hope the Commission will take an early decision," he said.

Rebel TMC Announces New National Leadership

The political confrontation intensified after a convention held in Kolkata on June 22, where the dissident camp elected a new party president, vice-president and constituted a 30-member National Working Committee to oversee party affairs.

 

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The organisational overhaul followed the formation of a separate legislative bloc by 58 MLAs, marking one of the biggest internal revolts in the party's history.

Massive Defections Weaken Mamata Banerjee's Position

The crisis began after the West Bengal Assembly election setback.

On June 3, 58 out of the party's 80 MLAs reportedly distanced themselves from Mamata Banerjee's leadership, creating an unprecedented challenge to the ruling party.

The rebellion expanded further on June 15 when 20 Trinamool Congress MPs reportedly left the party and joined the Tripura-based Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), significantly reducing the party's parliamentary strength.

Political Crisis Draws Comparison with Shiv Sena Split

Political analysts are comparing the developments in West Bengal with the landmark split in Maharashtra's Shiv Sena in 2022.

That political crisis ultimately resulted in Eknath Shinde emerging as Chief Minister after securing the support of a majority of Shiv Sena legislators. The Election Commission later recognised the Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena and allotted it the party's iconic "Bow and Arrow" election symbol.

The Maharashtra episode is now being viewed as a possible reference point for the Election Commission while examining the competing claims within the Trinamool Congress.

TMC's Numbers Decline in Parliament and Assembly

According to the rebel faction's claims, the Trinamool Congress has witnessed a sharp decline in its legislative strength.

In the Lok Sabha, the party's strength has reportedly fallen from 28 MPs to just eight after 20 lawmakers switched allegiance.

Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha, the party is left with nine members following the resignation of four MPs.

In the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, the party had originally secured 80 seats. After 58 MLAs joined the rebel camp, Mamata Banerjee's faction is reportedly left with only 22 legislators.

Election Commission's Decision Under Watch

The Election Commission has not yet announced its decision on the rebel faction's demand for official recognition.

Political observers believe the Commission's ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the Trinamool Congress, including questions surrounding the party's organisational control, electoral identity and political legitimacy ahead of upcoming elections.

 

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