Political Turmoil in West Bengal: TMC Councillors Resign Amidst Growing Instability
Wave of Resignations in West Bengal Municipalities
In West Bengal, a significant wave of resignations from municipal councils is emerging as a clear indication of political instability within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This unrest follows the party's defeat in the 2026 assembly elections. Over 100 councillors from various municipalities across the state have stepped down, highlighting increasing discontent within the party's grassroots structure. Political analysts suggest that these developments point to a further weakening of TMC's once-powerful urban political network.
Major Resignations from Key Municipalities
The most notable resignations came from the Bhatarpara municipality, where 30 out of 35 councillors, including the chairperson Reba Raha, resigned on Friday. Nearby, in the Halishahar municipality, 16 out of 23 councillors also left their posts. Additionally, 14 councillors from the Kanchrapara municipality resigned. Other municipalities, such as Garulia, North Barrackpur, and Kontai, also witnessed significant departures, with 18, 15, and 14 resignations respectively. In the Diamond Harbour municipality, eight out of 16 councillors stepped down.
Concerns Over Police Actions and Corruption Investigations
While many councillors publicly cited personal or organizational reasons for their resignations, privately, several TMC leaders acknowledged a growing fear of police actions and corruption investigations. This anxiety has spread rapidly in municipalities where councillors had long enjoyed political protection under the previous government. The situation intensified following a series of arrests of municipal leaders associated with the TMC.
Recent Arrests of TMC Councillors
On May 20, police arrested Ranjan Poddar, a councillor from Ward 34 of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation and the head of Baro 5, for allegedly extorting money from bus and auto drivers in Salt Lake and Karunamayi areas. A few days earlier, another Bidhannagar councillor, Samrat Barua, was arrested in connection with a separate extortion case. In Cooch Behar, TMC councillor Ujjwal Tar was taken into custody over allegations related to threats and intimidation during the assembly election campaign.
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