Mamata Banerjee foresaw TMC crisis as resignations rise, say leaders

Kolkata sees fresh political tremors as TMC faces internal strain

Kolkata is once again at the centre of West Bengal’s political storm as the All India Trinamool Congress grapples with a visible wave of resignations and internal dissatisfaction. Several local leaders and grassroots organisers have stepped down in recent days, citing organisational differences, lack of communication with top leadership, and disagreements over candidate selection.

Amid this churn, a section of party insiders has claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had already anticipated such turbulence within the organisation and had attempted to streamline internal functioning earlier this year.

A senior district-level leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Didi had warned many of us that the organisation was becoming too stretched and that internal coordination needed correction. What we are seeing now is the outcome of that imbalance.”

Wave of resignations raises questions inside party ranks

Over the past few weeks, multiple resignations have been reported from different districts of West Bengal, including parts of North 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Hooghly. In Haldia and nearby industrial regions, local committee members have also expressed dissatisfaction over what they describe as “limited consultation from the top leadership”.

While the party has not officially confirmed a coordinated split or mass exit, internal sources acknowledge that the frequency of resignations has increased compared to previous years.

A political observer based in Kolkata noted, “This is not a collapse, but it is definitely organisational stress. The TMC has always been a tightly controlled structure, and when cracks appear, they become visible quickly.”

Mamata Banerjee’s leadership style under renewed focus

The discussion around the crisis has also brought renewed attention to Mamata Banerjee’s leadership style. Known for her centralised decision-making and direct engagement with grassroots workers, she has historically managed internal dissent through swift intervention and reshuffles.

Party insiders suggest that she had initiated internal reviews within the organisation earlier, particularly after signs of dissatisfaction emerged during local-level committee meetings. However, critics argue that those interventions were not sufficient to prevent the current wave of resignations.

A senior party functionary said, “She is always ahead in reading political signals. But managing such a large organisation across rural and urban Bengal is a continuous challenge.”

Opposition parties seize the moment

Opposition parties in West Bengal have quickly reacted to the situation, calling it evidence of weakening organisational control within the ruling party. Leaders from rival political groups have intensified criticism, claiming that grassroots discontent is now becoming more visible.

However, TMC leaders have rejected these claims, calling them “politically motivated exaggerations” aimed at creating instability narratives ahead of future elections.

A party spokesperson said, “Every large organisation goes through internal adjustments. This is not a crisis, it is restructuring. The leadership is fully in control.”

Impact on West Bengal’s political landscape

The developments are being closely watched not only in Kolkata but also in industrial and semi-urban regions like Haldia, Asansol, and Siliguri. Political analysts believe that even minor internal shifts within the ruling party can have significant implications for local governance and election strategies.

In regions like Haldia, where industrial policy and employment remain key political issues, party cohesion plays a critical role in maintaining voter confidence. Any perception of instability could influence local political dynamics, especially among young voters and workers.

Experts say that while the party remains dominant in the state, perception management will be crucial in the coming months.

What happens next

For now, the leadership is expected to continue internal consultations and organisational reviews. Senior leaders are likely to be assigned additional responsibilities to stabilise district-level committees.

Whether the resignations evolve into a larger political shift or remain isolated incidents will depend on how quickly the party addresses internal grievances.

As West Bengal’s political temperature rises again, all eyes remain on the next move from the state’s most influential political figure, Mamata Banerjee, and how she steers the organisation through this phase of uncertainty.