“One Party, One Voice” — Or So It Seemed
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, has long been perceived as a fortress of regional strength and unity. But recent events have shattered that image, revealing deep fissures within the party. From altercations at the Election Commission (EC) office to sensational WhatsApp chats leaked to the media, the internal battle within the TMC is not just a political spectacle but a significant moment in West Bengal’s political narrative. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the origins, implications, and future of the TMC infighting — with facts, expert opinions, and insights from ground zero.
The Trigger: EC Office Drama That Shocked Bengal
What Exactly Happened at the EC Office?
In a dramatic turn of events, the TMC’s inner turmoil spilled into public view when two factions clashed outside the Election Commission office in Kolkata. Senior party leaders, some of whom are close confidants of Mamata Banerjee, were seen exchanging heated words. The cause? Allegations of candidate manipulation, lack of transparency in ticket distribution, and bypassing of grassroots leaders. The scene, captured widely on television and social media, was an embarrassing moment for the party that prides itself on discipline and unity.
Quote:
“This is not a rebellion, it’s a correction,” — Anonymous TMC MLA quoted by India Today.
The Role of WhatsApp Chats in Fueling the Fire
Leaks That Burned the Party
Following the EC office drama, a series of WhatsApp chats began circulating in journalistic and political circles. These messages, allegedly between prominent TMC leaders, exposed a series of grievances — from financial misappropriation to allegations of nepotism. While the authenticity of these chats is still under scrutiny, the damage to the party’s reputation has been substantial. Political analysts point out that the use of encrypted apps by factions within the same party highlights the depth of distrust.
Table: Alleged Grievances Highlighted in the Leaked Chats
| Issue Raised | Alleged Actor | Reaction from Party |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket manipulation | District Coordinator | Silent dismissal |
| Financial irregularities | MLA’s aide | Internal inquiry (unconfirmed) |
| Nepotism in nominations | Senior party member | Denied |
Who Are the Key Players in This Political Tug of War?
The Power Struggle Within
While Mamata Banerjee remains the undisputed face of the party, multiple internal factions are now vying for influence. Her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, who leads the youth wing of the TMC, has emerged as a polarizing figure. Some see him as the modernizer the party needs, while others view his rise as the root cause of alienation among senior leaders. Other influential leaders like Kunal Ghosh and Firhad Hakim have also been drawn into the storm, either taking sides or trying to mediate.
Chart: Popularity Ratings Among Party Leaders (Based on an internal party poll)
Abhishek Banerjee ████████████░░░░░ 65%
Firhad Hakim ████████░░░░░░░░ 45%
Kunal Ghosh ██████░░░░░░░░░░ 35%
Grassroots leaders ██████████░░░░░░ 55%
Is This the Beginning of the End for TMC?
Or Just Another Rough Patch?
This isn’t the first time a regional party has experienced internal rebellion. Political observers argue that such turbulence is almost inevitable in a party that has rapidly expanded its footprint. However, what sets the current TMC crisis apart is its visibility and timing — just ahead of crucial elections. With BJP and Congress ready to capitalize on the disarray, the TMC cannot afford a drawn-out civil war.
Quote:
“Parties that ignore their foot soldiers in favor of palace politics always pay the price.” — Yogendra Yadav, Political Analyst
What Are the Voters Saying?
Slogans from the Ground
In Bengal’s towns and villages, TMC supporters have begun to voice their concerns in the form of slogans:
- “Didi ke chharo, par chhoti rajneeti se bacho” (Support Didi, but avoid petty politics)
- “TMC ke do chehre, kis par karein bharosa?” (Two faces of TMC — whom to trust?)
Chart: Voter Sentiment Post-Infighting (Survey of 2,000 respondents)
Remain loyal to TMC ██████████░░░░░░ 58%
Considering BJP ███████░░░░░░░░ 35%
Shifting to Congress ██░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 7%
FAQ: Decoding the Confusion
Q1: Is Mamata Banerjee losing control of her party?
A: While Mamata remains the central figure, the rise of alternate power centers like Abhishek Banerjee suggests that she is under pressure to balance loyalties.
Q2: Are the WhatsApp chats confirmed?
A: No, their authenticity is under investigation, but the narratives match existing internal allegations.
Q3: Could this affect the next election?
A: Absolutely. Internal divisions can lead to a split in votes, lower morale, and weakened campaign machinery.
Q4: Is BJP benefiting from this chaos?
A: Yes, especially in regions where TMC infighting has demoralized local workers.
Conclusion: A Party at Crossroads
The internal discord within the TMC has laid bare the challenges of balancing rapid political expansion with organizational cohesion. Whether this ends as a minor blip or a major split will depend on how effectively Mamata Banerjee can reassert control, mend fences, and refocus the party’s energy on governance and public service. One thing is clear — the TMC of 2025 is not the monolithic entity it once was, and Bengal’s political story is far from predictable.
Final Quote:
“A storm inside is often louder than a threat outside.” — Prashant Kishor, Political Strategist
