TMC Power Struggle Intensifies: Kalyan Banerjee Says ‘Choose Between Me and Abhishek’
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Kolkata
- Jun 11, 2026
- 134
The internal crisis within the Trinamool Congress (AITC) has intensified significantly after senior party MP Kalyan Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Abhishek Banerjee, while another Rajya Sabha member resigned from the party, adding to concerns over growing divisions within the ruling West Bengal outfit.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Kalyan Banerjee openly stated that Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee must decide whether she stands with him or with Abhishek Banerjee. His remarks have triggered fresh debate over leadership issues and factionalism within the TMC.
The controversy erupted after Kalyan Banerjee was reportedly removed from a legal matter related to an alleged fake-signature case. Expressing disappointment, the veteran parliamentarian claimed he was informed late at night that the party had changed its legal representative without consulting him.
Calling the move disrespectful, Kalyan Banerjee accused Abhishek Banerjee of failing to value senior leaders. He alleged that Abhishek never trusted him and suggested that the party's current troubles stem from leadership decisions taken by the younger Banerjee.
The political drama unfolded alongside another major setback for the Trinamool Congress. Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik announced his resignation from both Parliament and the party, becoming the latest leader to walk away from the organization.
His resignation comes just days after prominent TMC leaders Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Shekhar Roy stepped down, highlighting growing unrest within the party ranks.
According to political sources, the Trinamool Congress has witnessed significant internal fragmentation. Reports suggest that 20 of the party's 28 Lok Sabha MPs and three of its 13 Rajya Sabha MPs have distanced themselves from the organization. In West Bengal, a substantial section of TMC legislators is also reportedly functioning under separate political groupings.
After tendering his resignation, Prakash Chik Baraik cited the party's disappointing electoral performance as a key reason behind his decision. He pointed to the BJP's strong showing in West Bengal and acknowledged that the Trinamool Congress failed to secure expected results in several regions, including North Bengal.
Baraik said that given the electoral mandate, he believed it was appropriate to relinquish his responsibilities. However, he refrained from revealing his future political plans, stating that time would determine his next move.
The controversy widened further when Kalyan Banerjee's son, Shirsanya Banerjee, publicly criticized Abhishek Banerjee. He claimed that the TMC leader struggles to trust those around him and is attempting to chart a different political course within the party.
Defending his family's contribution, Shirsanya stated that they had consistently supported legal and organizational activities across various courts whenever assistance was required.
The latest developments have once again brought the spotlight on internal tensions within the Trinamool Congress, raising questions about party unity ahead of future political battles in West Bengal. Political observers believe the coming weeks could prove crucial for Mamata Banerjee as she seeks to manage growing dissent and maintain cohesion within the TMC.
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