'Mamata not merely an adviser': Dissent grows in rebel TMC camp after Ritabrata Banerjee's proposal

The concerns emerged following a meeting of the rebel legislature bloc led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who was recently recognised as the Leader of Opposition.

Updated on: Jun 5, 2026, 11:23:23 IST

Edited by Shivya Kanojia

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A day after a group of 58 Trinamool Congress lawmakers disowned the party’s general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel camp showed its first signs of unease, with several legislators insisting that former Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee remain the supreme leader and warning that they may reconsider their place in the bloc if she is reduced to a mere adviser.

58 Trinamool Congress lawmakers urged chairperson Mamata Banerjee to become their adviser. (X)

The concerns emerged following a meeting of the rebel legislature bloc led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who was recently recognised as the Leader of Opposition after the dramatic shift in the legislature party.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), days after a crushing defeat against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded state elections, is grappling with a rebellion in its legislative ranks after losing power in West Bengal.

Debate over Mamata's position

The trigger for the unease was a proposal made by Ritabrata Banerjee on Thursday suggesting that Mamata Banerjee could serve as the "chief adviser" to the reconstituted legislature party.

Also read | 58 TMC MLAs disown Abhishek Banerjee, plead with Mamata; Ritabrata claims LoP status in Bengal

For some rebel legislators, however, that description does not adequately reflect her standing within the party.

"We were told that the party would continue under Mamata Banerjee's leadership. She is not merely an adviser. We want the party to function under her leadership," rebel MLA Gulshan Mullick told news agency PTI after the meeting.

Mullick went a step further, making it clear that his continued association with the bloc could depend on how the issue is resolved.

"If Mamata Banerjee is not accepted as the supreme leader, then we will have to think whether we should remain in this bloc or not," the Panchla legislator said.

Loyalty to Mamata, opposition to Abhishek

Throughout the rebellion, the dissident MLAs have attempted to draw a distinction between Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, former party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Also read | Rebellion, mayor exits: Mamata Banerjee's TMC faces one of its biggest challenges ever

Their position has been that the dispute concerns Abhishek's influence over the functioning of the legislature party, not the leadership of the TMC founder.

That argument has become central to the rebels' political messaging, allowing them to claim loyalty to Mamata Banerjee while opposing what they describe as Abhishek Banerjee's growing authority.

Another rebel legislator, Sangeeta Roy Basunia from Sitai, echoed the same sentiment.

"Mamata Banerjee is our supreme leader and will remain so. She cannot be an adviser. She is our leader," Basunia said.

Crisis deepens within TMC

The developments come amid continuing turbulence within the TMC following its electoral defeat to the BJP and the unprecedented split in its legislature wing.

Also read | Rebellion, mayor exits: Mamata Banerjee's TMC faces one of its biggest challenges ever

On Thursday, 58 MLAs took control of the legislature party, elected expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition and secured recognition from the Assembly Speaker. The move triggered what is being viewed as the most serious internal crisis in the party's 28-year history.

The recent development exposed growing tensions between the party organisation and its elected representatives and raised wider questions about leadership, succession and the future course of a party that has dominated West Bengal politics for more than a decade.

(With PTI Inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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