TMC Leader Shantanu Sen Resigns Amid Party Turmoil
In a significant political shift, Shantanu Sen has resigned from his role as the national spokesperson for the Trinamool Congress, citing ethical concerns and public disapproval linked to recent scandals. His resignation follows that of Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who also stepped down amid allegations of harassment within the party. The TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, is facing internal turmoil after losing power to the BJP in the recent West Bengal elections. This article delves into the implications of these resignations and the ongoing challenges facing the party.
| May 28, 2026, 16:16 IST
Shantanu Sen Steps Down from TMC National Spokesperson Role
On Thursday, Shantanu Sen, a leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and former Rajya Sabha MP, announced his resignation from the position of national spokesperson for the party. This development follows the resignation of Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar from all her party roles just a day earlier. In his resignation letter addressed to party chief Mamata Banerjee, Sen cited the RG Kar rape-murder case and corruption as reasons for his decision, stating that he could no longer support the party's actions as its spokesperson amidst unethical practices.
Sen expressed that despite differing opinions during challenging times, he had consistently voiced support for the party on various controversial issues, earning public appreciation. However, he noted that the current situation, where the people of Bengal have rejected the party due to scandals like the RG Kar case, the Abhaya case, and bribery for jobs, left him unwilling to continue in his role. He requested that his resignation be accepted and respected.
Just a day prior, TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar had stepped down from her position as head of the party's women's wing. In her resignation letter, she mentioned that the party failed to protect her from harassment by a fellow MP, indirectly pointing to Banerjee. Additionally, Banerjee had removed her from the position of chief whip in the Lok Sabha. While Ghosh Dastidar distanced herself from the party by resigning from key organizational roles, a complaint filed against her colleague Kalyan Banerjee has opened a new front in the ongoing turmoil within the beleaguered TMC.
Under the leadership of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the TMC recently lost power to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal elections held in 2026, where the BJP secured a significant victory. The BJP won 207 out of 293 seats during the counting held on May 4, including the Falta constituency, which underwent re-polling on May 21. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has also sought permission from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to file a formal complaint against Kalyan Banerjee for his alleged misogynistic remarks and repeated verbal abuse.