Political Turmoil in West Bengal: TMC Faces Internal Crisis After BJP's Victory

The political landscape in West Bengal is shifting dramatically as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) grapples with an internal crisis following the BJP's recent electoral victory. With leaders expressing dissent and questioning the party's strategies, the TMC faces challenges that extend beyond electoral defeat. This article delves into the implications of these developments, the historical context of the party's rise and fall, and the potential for significant changes in Bengal's political dynamics. Discover how the TMC plans to navigate this turbulent period and what it means for the future of West Bengal's governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 11:46 IST

TMC's Reaction to BJP's Ascendancy

Following the swearing-in of Shuvendu Adhikari as the first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, a palpable sense of distrust and unease emerged across numerous Trinamool Congress (TMC) offices on Saturday evening. In a party office in South Bengal, members quietly watched the celebrations of the BJP on television, with cups of tea left untouched. The dominant question circulating among them was: What will become of the political organization that Mamata Banerjee has built over the past 28 years?

A Crisis Beyond Elections

The current predicament for the TMC has escalated beyond mere electoral concerns; it has transformed into an organizational, psychological, and existential crisis. Signs of internal strife began to surface immediately after the election results were announced. Leaders who had previously defended the party leadership started to express dissenting views, revealing long-hidden fractures within the party. Senior TMC leader Asit Majumdar criticized certain factions of the leadership for their arrogance and administrative inaction.

Blame Game and Internal Conflicts

He pointed out that factionalism has stalled governance and development projects. Meanwhile, senior MP Kalyan Banerjee attributed the blame to the political advisory group I-PAC, alleging that it has caused 'sabotage' within the organization. Although open dissent has not yet emerged, West Bengal's political history suggests that such moments often herald significant changes. Kalyan Banerjee remarked, 'No political force can remain at its peak indefinitely. When a rise reaches its zenith, decline begins from within. The TMC has defeated itself.'

Failures in Candidate Selection

He also cited issues with ticket distribution and the I-PAC-driven electoral strategy as reasons for the defeat. According to him, 'Every gram panchayat member felt entitled to a ticket. Internal divisions played a significant role in our loss.' The TMC has functioned more like a centralized political system, with Mamata Banerjee at its core. Candidate selection, promotion of welfare schemes, and organizational control were all dictated from the top, where loyalty was prioritized over institutional autonomy. This model had brought electoral success for years, enabling Mamata Banerjee to end the 34-year rule of the Left Front in 2011 and maintain power despite an anti-incumbency sentiment. However, this centralization has now become the party's greatest vulnerability.

Changing Political Landscape

Political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty noted, 'The party's structure relied on continuous access to power. As soon as that link weakens, fragmentation is inevitable.' At 71, Mamata Banerjee remains the TMC's most prominent leader, but the circumstances have shifted. During the Singur and Nandigram movements, she was actively fighting on the streets, whereas now she bears the weight of 15 years in power, which includes recruitment scandals, corruption allegations, administrative fatigue, factionalism, and public discontent towards local leaders. The election results have shattered the 'invincible' aura that surrounded the TMC since 2011.

Concerns Over Party Stability

Party leaders are apprehensive that defections may begin in the upcoming months at the municipal and panchayat levels. Ironically, the party that once thrived on breaking opponents to seize control of local bodies now fears that same strategy may be turned against it. Following the defeat, TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee is also under scrutiny. In recent years, Mamata Banerjee's nephew has emerged as the party's chief strategist and second most influential leader. His fingerprints were evident in candidate selection and booth management for the 2026 electoral strategy. However, the significant margin of defeat has led many within the party to question his approach, aggressive organizational changes, and heavy reliance on advisors.

Future Challenges for TMC

Many leaders believe that the extensive changes in candidates have disrupted local dynamics and weakened the organization. Nevertheless, political analysts caution against prematurely declaring Mamata Banerjee finished. In 2004, the TMC was reduced to just one seat in the Lok Sabha and secured only 30 seats in the 2006 assembly elections. However, after the Singur-Nandigram movements, the party made a remarkable comeback, gaining power in 2011. This time, the challenge is different. Age, organizational fatigue, and the BJP's growing presence have completely transformed the political landscape in Bengal. The TMC now faces the dual challenge of not only regaining power but also preventing the disintegration of what was once considered the strongest political apparatus in Bengal.