TMC's Derek O'Brien Accuses Election Commission of Bias Amid Internal Party Conflict
Derek O'Brien, a prominent TMC MP, has accused the Election Commission of bias in managing the ongoing dispute within the party. He claims that while the Mamata Banerjee-led faction complied with deadlines, the rebel group has not. This controversy arises amid heightened internal strife following the TMC's electoral defeat in 2026. O'Brien's criticisms extend to the EC's handling of the situation, suggesting favoritism towards the opposing faction. As the political crisis deepens, several senior leaders have defected, prompting Mamata Banerjee to assert her commitment to strengthening the party despite these challenges. Read on for a detailed account of the unfolding situation.
Jul 16, 2026, 18:38 IST
TMC's Allegations Against the Election Commission
On Thursday, Derek O'Brien, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accused the Election Commission (EC) of showing favoritism in handling the ongoing dispute between the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. O'Brien asserted that despite the EC repeatedly extending deadlines, the rebel group has failed to respond, while the faction led by Mamata Banerjee adhered to the stipulated timelines. These remarks come at a time when internal strife within the TMC has intensified following the party's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with opposing claims regarding the party's organizational structure being presented to the EC.
O'Brien's Criticism of the Election Commission's Actions
Speaking to the media, O'Brien emphasized that the TMC had submitted its response to the Election Commission within the designated timeframe. He claimed, 'We provided our reply within the three-day deadline set by the EC. In contrast, the new 'traitor party' has been granted two extraordinary extensions totaling 23 days, yet they have not managed to respond.' He criticized the EC for allegedly operating like a branch of the BJP. Following conflicting claims regarding the party's official organizational structure and signatories, the EC sought responses from both the faction led by Mamata Banerjee and the rebel group led by Ritabrata Banerjee.
Political Turmoil Within TMC
Earlier this week, senior TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee stated that the party had submitted a comprehensive response to the Election Commission, asserting that according to the party's constitution, the term of the AITC's National Working Committee is valid until 2027. Meanwhile, the political crisis within the TMC has deepened as several senior leaders have defected to the rebel faction. Former minister and MLA from Kamrahati, Madan Mitra, recently resigned from Mamata Banerjee's faction, alleging that the party leadership prioritizes General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee over strengthening the organization. In response to this rebellion, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee remarked that attempts to weaken the party will not deter her, and she is prepared to rebuild the organization if necessary.