Taking TMC’s ‘Two Flowers’ Back To Grassroots: How Mamata Is Rebuilding Party Amid Poll Loss, Defections

Published 23 June 2026 · politics

Taking TMC’s ‘Two Flowers’ Back To Grassroots: How Mamata Is Rebuilding Party Amid Poll Loss, Defections Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 23, 2026

Taking TMC’s ‘Two Flowers’ Back To Grassroots: How Mamata Is Rebuilding Party Amid Poll Loss, Defections Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 18:20 IST For now, the party is returning to what it knows best: Mamata, the organisation and the cadre. With maati and maanush sliding, it's back to maa (Mamata) Mamata Banerjee (File) The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is assessing its losses — not just the electoral defeat, but also the steady exodus of MPs and MLAs, and a string of setbacks that have seen its funds, positions and even its party symbol being claimed by the rebel faction. The response has been a return to basics. As the party looks to rebuild, the focus is shifting back to the grassroots — reconnecting with workers, strengthening the organisation and reviving the structures that once formed the backbone of its political strength. With IPAC out of the picture, the emphasis is once again on the cadre.

However diminished the party may be, it has to count on those who stayed loyal. That explains some of the key features of the organisational rejig. For the first time, the party has appointed two joint secretaries — Dola Sen and Derek O’Brien — who will work closely with Abhishek Banerjee. Yet the more significant message is internal. The leadership appears keen to reassure the cadre that decision-making will no longer be concentrated in one centre of power, a criticism that had grown louder over the years. Many leaders felt sidelined during Abhishek’s rise, particularly veterans who had stood by Mamata Banerjee through the party’s formative years. There are other signs that the balance is being recalibrated. During its peak, the TMC effectively operated from three power centres — Mamata Banerjee’s residence, Trinamool Bhavan and the Camac Street office associated with Abhishek Banerjee. The post-defeat restructuring has now led to the closure of the Camac Street office.

There was a time when the party machinery, backed by IPAC, ran much of its political operation from there. That era appears to be over. Mamata Banerjee remains unwilling to publicly sideline her nephew. But there is also recognition within the party that perceptions of excessive centralisation could hamper efforts at revival. For those who remain with the TMC, Mamata Banerjee continues to be the principal rallying point. As one senior loyalist told News18: “We know the election was stolen. That apart, all great organisations introspect—focus on strengths and learn from mistakes. Under an inspirational leader like Mamata Di, and with our biggest asset—our workers—we shall rise again." For now, the party is returning to what it knows best: Mamata, the organisation and the cadre. With maati and maanush sliding, it’s back to maa (Mamata). The strategists may have faded into the background, but whether a return to basics is enough to reverse the decline remains the central question.