TMC Turmoil | Dissident MPs mull separate bloc or mass resignation

Mounting signs of unrest within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have sparked fresh speculation about the party's internal cohesion following its crushing setback in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. While the party leadership remains focused on national-level opposition meetings in New Delhi, reports of growing dissent among lawmakers continue to surface.

According to sources familiar with the developments, a senior Trinamool parliamentarian made a brief but reportedly significant stop in Delhi while travelling between Mumbai and Kolkata earlier this week. During the unscheduled halt, the MP is believed to have held quiet discussions with a small group of individuals regarding the evolving situation within the party. The lawmaker is said to represent a constituency in the districts adjoining Kolkata.

The reported meeting comes amid claims that a section of Trinamool MPs has been exploring options to challenge the party's current leadership structure. Sources suggest that discussions have been taking place among a group of parliamentarians who are increasingly dissatisfied with the party's direction following the electoral defeat. Speculation has also intensified over possible contacts between some Trinamool leaders and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), though no public confirmations have emerged.

Discontent is not confined to Parliament. Within the state legislature, a sizeable section of MLAs is believed to be sympathetic to a dissident camp associated with legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. Several lawmakers have reportedly stayed away from party programmes in recent weeks, a move being interpreted as a coordinated signal of dissatisfaction.

Party insiders point to subtle but telling changes in behaviour. Some leaders who once referred to Mamata Banerjee with the affectionate honorific "Didi" have allegedly begun addressing her more formally, reflecting what observers describe as a growing emotional and political distance from the leadership. One MP with a sporting background has reportedly been among those expressing displeasure in this manner.

Adding to the intrigue, a parliamentarian from North 24 Parganas has remained unreachable for more than a day after being denied an Assembly ticket, prompting further speculation about dissatisfaction within party ranks. Sources insist that this individual is not Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, whose recent interactions with political rivals had already attracted attention.

Several other lawmakers are also being watched closely. An actor-turned-politician serving as an MP reportedly travelled to Delhi this week and is said to have gradually distanced himself from party activities. Similar concerns have been raised about the political positioning of a handful of MPs from North Bengal.

The developments come as Mamata Banerjee holds consultations in the national capital with Congress leaders and other partners of the INDIA bloc. While those discussions are aimed at strengthening opposition coordination at the national level, the spotlight has increasingly shifted to Trinamool's internal challenges and its ability to maintain unity within its parliamentary ranks in the aftermath of the electoral setback.

For now, the party leadership has not publicly acknowledged any rebellion. However, the growing number of reports involving absent legislators, closed communication channels and discreet political meetings suggests that the turbulence within Bengal's ruling party may be far from over.