Another blow for Mamata: Bengal TMC president Chandrima Bhattacharya quits, meets rebel camp

The resignation marks another significant development in the ongoing leadership struggle that has engulfed the Trinamool Congress following its Assembly election setback and the subsequent split within the party.

In her resignation letter, Chandrima Bhattacharya announced that she was stepping down as the West Bengal president of the Trinamool Congress along with all other responsibilities within the organisation.

"I hereby tender my resignation from the post of State President of All India Trinamool Congress, which was conferred on me in the meeting at Kalighat on 03.06.2025. I also hereby resign from all other posts which I hold at present," she wrote.

Bhattacharya had been appointed the party's state president after Mamata Banerjee dissolved all organisational committees and restructured the Trinamool Congress on June 3 following the Assembly election defeat. She succeeded veteran leader Subrata Bakshi in the role.

The former minister also informed the party that she was relinquishing all official financial and legal responsibilities.

"Please note that I withdraw myself as the authorised signatory of All India Trinamool Congress and all other related organisations in respect of the accounts maintained in various banks. I also withdraw myself from being your authorised person before the Election Commission of India," her letter stated.

Despite resigning, Bhattacharya concluded by saying that she would always hold Mamata Banerjee in the highest regard.

Chandrima meets Ritabrata camp

Shortly after submitting her resignation, Chandrima Bhattacharya met the rebel faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee at the West Bengal Assembly.

The meeting came at a time when the dissident camp had claimed growing support among Trinamool legislators.

Chandrima Bhattacharya meets Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel camp at West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Kolkata, July 4, 2026. Photo: IBNS arrangements

Ritabrata Banerjee was recently recognised as the Leader of the Opposition after securing the backing of a majority of MLAs, despite Mamata Banerjee nominating senior party leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.

Her interaction with the rebels is expected to further fuel speculation over shifting loyalties within the party.

Mamata camp reacts sharply

Leaders aligned with Mamata Banerjee criticised Bhattacharya's decision.

TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh questioned the timing of her resignation, asking why she had not stepped down earlier when she held senior positions in the government under Mamata Banerjee.

"Why did she not resign when she enjoyed plum portfolios given by Mamata Banerjee during her government?" Ghosh said in his response.

Bhattacharya had long been regarded as one of Mamata Banerjee's closest political associates and had served as a minister in the West Bengal government.

Mamata Banerjee responds sharply

BJP comments on TMC's internal crisis

Reacting to the latest development, West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the ongoing infighting reflected the party's declining political standing.

"It doesn't matter anymore which direction the TMC is heading in and which faction is going to take charge of the party. People know TMC has lost its political relevance," he said.

TMC revolt escalates

The Trinamool Congress has been grappling with one of the biggest internal crises in its history since the Assembly election defeat.

According to claims made by the rebel faction, a majority of the party's 80 MLAs have broken away under the leadership of Ritabrata Banerjee.

The party has also witnessed the revolt of 20 Members of Parliament, who have declared support for the NDA after merging with the National Congress Party of India (NCPI).

The rival factions continue to contest the leadership, organisational control and recognition of the party.

Battle for Trinamool Bhavan escalates

Bhattacharya's resignation came just a day after dramatic scenes unfolded at Trinamool Bhavan, the party's headquarters in Kolkata.

The rebel faction claimed control of the building, replaced its locks and installed a new signboard naming former minister Arup Roy as party chairman.

The dissidents also reiterated before the Election Commission that they represented the "Real TMC".

Leaders loyal to Mamata Banerjee subsequently reached the headquarters, lodged police complaints over the takeover and demanded restoration of control.

The confrontation prompted heavy deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kolkata Police around Trinamool Bhavan as authorities sought to prevent any further escalation.