TMC Rebellion’s Next Stop May Be Lok Sabha In Direct Challenge To Abhishek Banerjee
TMC Rebellion’s Next Stop May Be Lok Sabha In Direct Challenge To Abhishek Banerjee Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 08:18 IST
TMC Rebellion’s Next Stop May Be Lok Sabha In Direct Challenge To Abhishek Banerjee Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 08:18 IST Political observers say that if potentially 20 MPs or more align with the rebels, pressure could mount for a change in parliamentary leadership. Rapid Read TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee (Image: PTI) The rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) appears to be entering a new phase. After successfully mounting a challenge inside the West Bengal Assembly, dissident leaders are now expected to turn their attention towards the party’s parliamentary wing, potentially setting up a fresh power struggle in the Lok Sabha. The latest crisis erupted after expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee claimed that a majority of the party’s MLAs had backed the rebel bloc, leading to his recognition as Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Significantly, the dissidents have repeatedly stressed that their fight is not against Mamata Banerjee but against the growing influence of her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. Ritabrata recently declared that “Mamata is our leader" while asserting that Abhishek has “no role" in the Assembly. That message has become the central theme of the rebellion: preserve Mamata’s leadership while challenging the authority structure built around Abhishek. With the Assembly front largely consolidated, rebel leaders are now believed to be exploring ways to build support among TMC’s Members of Parliament. The party currently has 29 MPs in the Lok Sabha, where Abhishek serves as the parliamentary leader. Political observers say that if a substantial section of MPs – potentially 20 or more – align with the dissident camp, pressure could mount for a change in parliamentary leadership.
Such a move would represent the most direct challenge yet to Abhishek’s authority within the party. Unlike the Assembly revolt, which is largely confined to West Bengal politics, a parliamentary realignment would carry national implications, affecting TMC’s role within the opposition bloc and its functioning in Parliament. The developments come at a time when the party is grappling with its biggest internal crisis since losing the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election. Amid the growing unrest, TMC has already dissolved all its committees and frontal organisations, effectively resetting its organisational structure. Whether the dissidents can replicate their Assembly success in Parliament remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the battle that began in the Bengal Assembly is no longer confined there. The next contest could be fought in the Lok Sabha – and Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership may be at its centre.
News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting... Read More First Published: June 04, 2026, 07:55 IST News india TMC Rebellion’s Next Stop May Be Lok Sabha In Direct Challenge To Abhishek Banerjee Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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