The Trinamool Congress (TMC), days after a crushing defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded state elections, is grappling with a revolt in its legislative ranks after losing power in West Bengal.
After a major setback with the Speaker recognizing 58 TMC legislators as the main opposition bloc, the Mamata Banerjee-led party is now facing a new challenge in its urban political structure as uncertainty surrounds the future of senior leaders holding key mayoral posts.
Speaker Rathendra Nath Bose on Wednesday recognized 58 legislators of the Ritabrata Banerjee-led TMC as the main opposition bloc. The rebels accused the party leadership of acting in an authoritarian manner and openly challenged the role of TMC National Secretary General Abhishek Banerjee.
Farhad Hakim’s question
Against this backdrop, questions have arisen over the future of Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, one of TMC’s most influential urban leaders, whose alleged resignation remains in limbo.
Earlier this week, TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh announced that party president Mamata Banerjee had accepted Hakim’s request to step down.
“At that time, he was asked not to resign. However, today he again asked Mamata Banerjee to allow him to step down, after which she agreed,” news agency PTI quoted Ghosh as saying.
However, the news agency reported that the resignation has not officially reached the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).
KMC president Mala Roy said: “I have not received Firhad Hakim’s resignation yet. As per norms, if the mayor wants to resign, he should submit it to me.”
The uncertainty worsened after Al-Hakim attended an administration meeting in Nabanna chaired by Prime Minister Suvendu Adhikari, a move that sparked disagreements within sections of the TMC leadership.
According to a senior TMC leader familiar with the developments, “Farhad Hakim stuck to his guns and said he did the right thing by attending the administrative meeting as a TMC member and mayor. Politics and administration should not be confused.”
The same leader added: “Farhad Al-Hakim has not taken any final decision regarding resignation yet, and a few days ago he was keen to resign, but now he is rethinking the matter.”
Al-Hakim’s uncertain future comes amid reports of organizational tension within the TMC and a series of resignations by councilors in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in recent weeks.
Mayor of Bidhannagar resigns
Adding to the party’s woes, Krishna Chakraborty reportedly resigned from the post of mayor of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation on Thursday.
Chakraborty, a close associate of Mamata Banerjee, said her decision was personal.
“This is completely my personal decision. I have been in this position for 16 years. I have no grudge against anyone. I have followed the rules to resign. I want to give some time to myself. I want to work as an advisor,” the agency quoted Chakraborty as saying.
Municipal officials confirmed receiving her resignation.
“We have received her letter expressing her desire to step down. She has also signed copies of her resignation on the Municipal Affairs Minister and Additional Chief Secretary of the Department,” an official said.
Internal rebellion
These developments come at a time when the Transitional Military Council is struggling to contain an internal revolution in the council following its electoral defeat.
Ritabrata Banerjee, who was recognized by the Speaker as Leader of the Opposition, said: “TMC’s West Bengal Legislative Party in the 88th Assembly has no leader. We are against authoritarian leadership. We are a 58-member team as of now. Two more MLAs are out of the station currently. They will announce their decision later. We do not take any responsibility for the other 20 MLAs of TMC.”
He also directly appealed to Mamata Banerjee while distancing the group from Abhishek Banerjee.
An earlier HT report quoted Ritabrata Banerjee as saying: “Mamata Banerjee is a tall leader. We appeal to her to be our chief advisor. We can play a positive and constructive role as the opposition with her advice. If we have to vote against a bill, we will do so, but we will not withdraw to help someone else.”
About Abhishek Banerjee, Ritabrata said: “Abhishek Banerjee has no connection with the TMC Legislative Party or this council. Our decision was not taken in any corporate office. It was not imposed on us or imposed by a consultancy firm. This is a fight against individualism.”
The end times, appointed by the rebel camp, linked the rebellion to dissatisfaction within the party.
“We are all TMC MLAs. Mamata Banerjee is our leader. But why have we reached this point? Our leadership has failed to choose the Leader of Opposition in a proper manner. The party has become a laughing stock. We have come forward to save face. We appeal to Mamata Banerjee to recognize us and guide us,” he said.
The biggest challenge Mamata has ever faced
In parallel, the TMC dissolved all its organizing committees in West Bengal and announced a comprehensive review of its structure.
The party said, “The party will conduct a comprehensive introspection exercise, performance review, and organizational evaluation at all levels. Based on the results of this exercise, the organizational structure of the parent body and all front organizations will be reshaped and announced at the appropriate time. The party remains committed to strengthening its organization and preparing it to face future challenges with renewed strength and purpose.”
Rejecting the Speaker’s decision, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh asserted, “The TMC was there, is there and will remain there. The MLA expelled by the party cannot become the leader of the opposition.”
With uncertainty surrounding key civic leaders, resignations in municipal bodies, and rebellion among lawmakers, the TMC headed by former Prime Minister Mamata Banerjee faces one of the most significant organizational challenges in recent years as it tries to rebuild after its electoral defeat.
