Tension escalated in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Saturday (Sep 26) when Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh’s vehicle was targeted while he was on his way to Serampore for Mamata Banerjee’s public meeting. The attack happened in Uttarpara when a group of protesters carrying black flags reportedly stopped Ghosh’s car and surrounded the vehicle. They shouted slogans, including “go black”, before throwing eggs and stones at it. The rear windshield was damaged in the attack.Ghosh later hit out at the lack of police presence at the location and said he would approach the authorities in Kolkata. He added that he could not continue his journey to the venue and had to return.“This is jungle raj. They attacked my car with stones and eggs and blocked the road. No police personnel were present there. I am now returning to Kolkata and will go straight to Lal Bazaar or Bhawani Bhawan to lodge a complaint,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | West Bengal: TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh says that eggs were hurled at his car and a group of people attacked the car while he was going to Serampore, Hooghly, for a rally of former CM Mamata Banerjee. (Video Source: Kunal Ghosh) <a href="https://t.co/yH6jvA5AOw">pic.twitter.com/yH6jvA5AOw</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2103776088409428001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>TMC blames BJP</h2>The incident immediately drew a political reaction from the Trinamool Congress, with party leaders accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of being behind the attack, calling the incident the “handiwork of the BJP”.The incident occurred hours before Mamata Banerjee was due to address supporters at the Serampore Court grounds. The venue itself had been the subject of a legal dispute, with the Calcutta High Court eventually permitting the meeting under specified conditions. These included a restriction on the number of people attending and requirements concerning police arrangements.<h2>Fresh tensions over police action</h2>The confrontation involving Ghosh came as relations between the TMC and police in the area remained strained ahead of the rally. Two TMC volunteers, Sudip Acharya and Nur Islam, were arrested by police on Thursday in cases related to alleged extortion. The arrests became another point of contention between the party and the authorities. The TMC subsequently claimed that police had detained more than 150 of its workers across the district, including women. Serampore MP Kalyan Banerjee criticised the alleged crackdown.“Police have started a massive action against our workers and have rounded up more than 150 of them, including women.”With Banerjee’s rally scheduled amid the dispute, the attack on Ghosh’s vehicle has added another flashpoint to an already tense political situation in Serampore.&nbsp;

A TMC MLA’s car was attacked with stones and eggs in Uttarpara before Mamata Banerjee’s Serampore rally, as tensions rose over police action against party workers ahead of the meeting.

Tension escalated in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Saturday (Sep 26) when Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh’s vehicle was targeted while he was on his way to Serampore for Mamata Banerjee’s public meeting. The attack happened in Uttarpara when a group of protesters carrying black flags reportedly stopped Ghosh’s car and surrounded the vehicle. They shouted slogans, including “go black”, before throwing eggs and stones at it. The rear windshield was damaged in the attack. Ghosh later hit out at the lack of police presence at the location and said he would approach the authorities in Kolkata. He added that he could not continue his journey to the venue and had to return. “This is jungle raj. They attacked my car with stones and eggs and blocked the road. No police personnel were present there. I am now returning to Kolkata and will go straight to Lal Bazaar or Bhawani Bhawan to lodge a complaint,” he said.

A TMC MLA’s car was attacked with stones and eggs in Uttarpara before Mamata Banerjee’s Serampore rally, as tensions rose over police action against party workers ahead of the meeting.

WATCH | Stones, eggs hurled at TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh’s car ahead of Mamata rally

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday (Sept 18) announced her support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll after her faction’s candidate, Sanchita Pradhan, withdrew from the contest. Banerjee said her camp would not field another candidate from Nandigram and described the decision as a show of solidarity with the INDIA alliance in its fight against the BJP.&nbsp;“We are ready to fight it out. I want the BJP to go from India. Our full solidarity is with the INDIA alliance,” Banerjee said at a press conference.&nbsp;The development came hours after the Election Commission of India stripped both rival TMC factions of the party’s name and the “Flowers and Grass” symbol. The Mamata faction was allotted the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol, while the Arup Roy-led faction was given the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol.&nbsp;Both factions will be treated as recognised political parties in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura.<h3>Sanchita Pradhan withdraws</h3>Sanchita Pradhan reportedly decided to withdraw from the contest after meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna. She was accompanied by her husband, Satyajit.&nbsp;Her withdrawal leaves the Mamata faction without a candidate in Nandigram. Congress has fielded Milan Pradhan, while the CPI has nominated Shanti Gopal Giri. The BJP’s candidate, Hasirani Rath, is also in the fray.&nbsp;The Mamata faction had announced Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) as its candidate for Nandigram last week. It had also nominated Rabiul Alam Chowdhury for Rejinagar. The bypolls to the two constituencies are scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9.&nbsp;The ECI’s interim order came a day after it barred the rival factions from using the TMC’s name and traditional symbol for the upcoming bypolls. The poll panel also directed both groups to submit alternative names and symbols.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-unblocks-news-sites-ahead-of-us-backed-transition-talks-1789731110424">Venezuela unblocks news sites ahead of US-backed transition talks</a><h3>Mamata calls it a ‘black day’</h3>Reacting to the freeze on the original party name and the “Flowers &amp; Grass” symbol, Banerjee expressed strong indignation over the decision. She said her faction did not disrespect the constitutional position but described the development as a dark moment in the country’s democratic history.&nbsp;“We don't disrespect the Constitutional Chair, but we feel today is a black day in our democratic history. What is happening in our country is very unfortunate, unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and a totally biased vendetta to satisfy the ego of a political party,” she said.&nbsp;Banerjee also warned those currently in power, claiming that the decision was the result of pre-planned political interference.&nbsp;“They had said beforehand, 'naam bhi rakhne doonga, nishaan bhi nahi rakhne doonga' (Neither let you keep the name nor the symbol). Who are these people? They are in power today; they might not be in power tomorrow. They should understand their limitations,” she added.

In a double shock to Mamata Banerjee, the Election Commission stripped her faction of the TMC name and “Flowers and Grass” symbol, while Sanchita Pradhan withdrew from the Nandigram bypoll after meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday (Sept 18) announced her support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll after her faction’s candidate, Sanchita Pradhan, withdrew from the contest. Banerjee said her camp would not field another candidate from Nandigram and described the decision as a show of solidarity with the INDIA alliance in its fight against the BJP. “We are ready to fight it out. I want the BJP to go from India. Our full solidarity is with the INDIA alliance,” Banerjee said at a press conference. The development came hours after the Election Commission of India stripped both rival TMC factions of the party’s name and the “Flowers and Grass” symbol. The Mamata faction was allotted the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol, while the Arup Roy-led faction was given the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol. Both factions will be treated as recognised political parties in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura. Sanchita Pradhan withdraws Sanchita Pradhan reportedly decided to withdraw from the contest after meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna. She was accompanied by her husband, Satyajit. Her withdrawal leaves the Mamata faction without a candidate in Nandigram. Congress has fielded Milan Pradhan, while the CPI has nominated Shanti Gopal Giri. The BJP’s candidate, Hasirani Rath, is also in the fray. The Mamata faction had announced Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) as its candidate for Nandigram last week. It had also nominated Rabiul Alam Chowdhury for Rejinagar. The bypolls to the two constituencies are scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. The ECI’s interim order came a day after it barred the rival factions from using the TMC’s name and traditional symbol for the upcoming bypolls. The poll panel also directed both groups to submit alternative names and symbols. Also Read: Venezuela unblocks news sites ahead of US-backed transition talks Mamata calls it a ‘black day’ Reacting to the freeze on the original party name and the “Flowers & Grass” symbol, Banerjee expressed strong indignation over the decision. She said her faction did not disrespect the constitutional position but described the development as a dark moment in the country’s democratic history. “We don't disrespect the Constitutional Chair, but we feel today is a black day in our democratic history. What is happening in our country is very unfortunate, unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and a totally biased vendetta to satisfy the ego of a political party,” she said. Banerjee also warned those currently in power, claiming that the decision was the result of pre-planned political interference. “They had said beforehand, 'naam bhi rakhne doonga, nishaan bhi nahi rakhne doonga' (Neither let you keep the name nor the symbol). Who are these people? They are in power today; they might not be in power tomorrow. They should understand their limitations,” she added.

In a double shock to Mamata Banerjee, the Election Commission stripped her faction of the TMC name and “Flowers and Grass” symbol, while Sanchita Pradhan withdrew from the Nandigram bypoll after meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

'Ready to fight it out': Mamata backs Congress candidate in Nandigram after TMC nominee withdraws

The high-stakes battle over the political identity and election symbol of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has escalated into a major legal showdown before the Election Commission of India (ECI).


West Bengal: ECI allots new names & symbols to rival TMC factions

The Election Commission of India has thrown the battle for the Trinamool Congress's identity into a freeze, ahead of the crucial bypolls, as neither warring faction can use the party's name or its iconic twin-flower symbol until the dispute is settled for good.The showdown reached Delhi on Thursday, when West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee led his five-member delegation before the Election Commission's full bench, squaring off against a rival team representing Mamata Banerjee.&nbsp;Both camps insist they are the "real" Trinamool Congress, and both want it on record ahead of by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar. Nominations closed a day earlier, scrutiny wrapped up Thursday, and both sides had filed the mandatory Forms A and B, effectively daring the Commission to pick a winner on the spot.It declined to. In its interim order, the Commission noted it found "two rival groups within the All India Trinamool Congress — one led by Ms. Mamata Banerjee and the other by Ritabrata Banerjee — each claiming to be the de facto party," concluding that the standoff demands a full hearing under paragraph 15 of the Symbols Order, 1968. Until that final ruling, the order states plainly that neither the Roy-led petitioners nor the Banerjee-led respondents "shall be permitted to use the name 'All India Trinamool Congress'" or its symbol in the bypolls.Instead, the Commission has told both sides to come back with alternatives — fast. By 11:00 AM on September 18, 2026, each faction must submit three alternative names, in order of preference, along with three free symbols they'd accept as substitutes, leaving the final pick to the Commission.Speaking to reporters after the hearing earlier in the day, Ritabrata Banerjee said, "We met the Election Commission's full bench today... The process now lies with the Election Commission and the Returning Officer... The Election Commission is the apex body; we must have faith in it." He confirmed his side had filed Form A as the Trinamool Congress, but acknowledged the Kalighat camp had done the same — leaving the Commission as the only tiebreaker.Kalyan Banerjee, representing the Mamata camp, was far more combative. He questioned the legitimacy of his rivals' claim outright, asking how they could contest on the party symbol at all if the chairperson's term had "allegedly ended in 2025." Mamata Banerjee founded the party, he argued, and any valid leadership change must follow a bottom-up organisational election across a multi-state party — not, he suggested, a hastily convened June 22 session that bypassed MPs entirely. He also maintained that court proceedings shouldn't tie the Commission's hands.The Kalighat side went further, proposing a show of strength at Brigade Parade Ground to let the Commission gauge real organisational muscle, while urging it to stay its hand given parallel litigation already in the courts.Trinamool Congress was born on January 1, 1998, when Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress, coining "Trinamool" — Bengali for "grassroots" — to mark a clean break and claim closeness to ordinary people. The party's election symbol, Jora Ghas Phul (twin flowers with grass), was registered at the same time, evoking roots and growth. For two decades the logo still carried the Congress legacy, until March 2019, when the party dropped "Congress" from its branding altogether on its 21st anniversary, keeping just "Trinamool" beside the twin-flower emblem — though it stayed officially registered with the EC as Trinamool Congress. That nearly 30-year-old name and symbol are now the prize both rival factions were fighting to claim.The parallels to the Shiv Sena split are hard to miss — there too, the EC froze the original symbol and handed both factions temporary names and symbols pending a final verdict.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has barred both TMC factions from using the party name and Flowers & Grass symbol in upcoming bypolls pending a final decision.

The Election Commission of India has thrown the battle for the Trinamool Congress's identity into a freeze, ahead of the crucial bypolls, as neither warring faction can use the party's name or its iconic twin-flower symbol until the dispute is settled for good. The showdown reached Delhi on Thursday, when West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee led his five-member delegation before the Election Commission's full bench, squaring off against a rival team representing Mamata Banerjee. Both camps insist they are the "real" Trinamool Congress, and both want it on record ahead of by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar. Nominations closed a day earlier, scrutiny wrapped up Thursday, and both sides had filed the mandatory Forms A and B, effectively daring the Commission to pick a winner on the spot. It declined to. In its interim order, the Commission noted it found "two rival groups within the All India Trinamool Congress — one led by Ms. Mamata Banerjee and the other by Ritabrata Banerjee — each claiming to be the de facto party," concluding that the standoff demands a full hearing under paragraph 15 of the Symbols Order, 1968. Until that final ruling, the order states plainly that neither the Roy-led petitioners nor the Banerjee-led respondents "shall be permitted to use the name 'All India Trinamool Congress'" or its symbol in the bypolls. Instead, the Commission has told both sides to come back with alternatives — fast. By 11:00 AM on September 18, 2026, each faction must submit three alternative names, in order of preference, along with three free symbols they'd accept as substitutes, leaving the final pick to the Commission. Speaking to reporters after the hearing earlier in the day, Ritabrata Banerjee said, "We met the Election Commission's full bench today... The process now lies with the Election Commission and the Returning Officer... The Election Commission is the apex body; we must have faith in it." He confirmed his side had filed Form A as the Trinamool Congress, but acknowledged the Kalighat camp had done the same — leaving the Commission as the only tiebreaker. Kalyan Banerjee, representing the Mamata camp, was far more combative. He questioned the legitimacy of his rivals' claim outright, asking how they could contest on the party symbol at all if the chairperson's term had "allegedly ended in 2025." Mamata Banerjee founded the party, he argued, and any valid leadership change must follow a bottom-up organisational election across a multi-state party — not, he suggested, a hastily convened June 22 session that bypassed MPs entirely. He also maintained that court proceedings shouldn't tie the Commission's hands. The Kalighat side went further, proposing a show of strength at Brigade Parade Ground to let the Commission gauge real organisational muscle, while urging it to stay its hand given parallel litigation already in the courts. Trinamool Congress was born on January 1, 1998, when Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress, coining "Trinamool" — Bengali for "grassroots" — to mark a clean break and claim closeness to ordinary people. The party's election symbol, Jora Ghas Phul (twin flowers with grass), was registered at the same time, evoking roots and growth. For two decades the logo still carried the Congress legacy, until March 2019, when the party dropped "Congress" from its branding altogether on its 21st anniversary, keeping just "Trinamool" beside the twin-flower emblem — though it stayed officially registered with the EC as Trinamool Congress. That nearly 30-year-old name and symbol are now the prize both rival factions were fighting to claim. The parallels to the Shiv Sena split are hard to miss — there too, the EC froze the original symbol and handed both factions temporary names and symbols pending a final verdict.

The Election Commission has barred both TMC factions from using the party name and Flowers &amp; Grass symbol in upcoming bypolls pending a final decision.

EC freezes TMC name, symbol; Mamata and Ritabrata factions told to pick alternatives

Sumit Roy, personal aide to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, has been arrested by the West Bengal CID in the alleged government land fraud case in Salboni, West Midnapore.The arrest came hours after the Supreme Court rejected Roy’s anticipatory bail plea and vacated its August 6 order staying his arrest.CID officers picked Roy up from Abhishek Banerjee’s Kalighat residence, where they had gone looking for him. The action came after the Supreme Court cleared the way for his arrest.The case concerns the alleged illegal transfer and sale of government land using forged documents. Investigators say forged title deeds have emerged in the probe. The case has been registered under provisions relating to cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy.Roy had earlier been denied anticipatory bail by the Calcutta High Court on August 3. The Supreme Court subsequently gave him interim protection and directed him to cooperate with the CID investigation. He had appeared before the CID several times, including for lengthy questioning.The State had opposed further protection, arguing that Roy’s custodial interrogation was necessary.And the BJP is now turning the arrest into a larger political issue.Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar described Roy as the “ear” of a larger chain and suggested that the “head” would follow — a clear hint that Abhishek Banerjee could be next. Majumdar also alleged that Roy handled administrative matters on Banerjee’s behalf, including contacting senior government officials.The Trinamool Congress has not yet issued an official response.Since the BJP government led by Suvendu Adhikari took office in May, more than 100 TMC leaders, functionaries and workers have reportedly been arrested in cases involving corruption, extortion, post-poll violence, land and recruitment-related allegations, as well as older cases.For now, the focus is on Roy’s custodial questioning and what the CID uncovers in the Salboni land case. &nbsp;

Roy had earlier been denied anticipatory bail by the Calcutta High Court on August 3. The Supreme Court subsequently gave him interim protection and directed him to cooperate with the CID investigation.

Sumit Roy, personal aide to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, has been arrested by the West Bengal CID in the alleged government land fraud case in Salboni, West Midnapore. The arrest came hours after the Supreme Court rejected Roy’s anticipatory bail plea and vacated its August 6 order staying his arrest. CID officers picked Roy up from Abhishek Banerjee’s Kalighat residence, where they had gone looking for him. The action came after the Supreme Court cleared the way for his arrest. The case concerns the alleged illegal transfer and sale of government land using forged documents. Investigators say forged title deeds have emerged in the probe. The case has been registered under provisions relating to cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy. Roy had earlier been denied anticipatory bail by the Calcutta High Court on August 3. The Supreme Court subsequently gave him interim protection and directed him to cooperate with the CID investigation. He had appeared before the CID several times, including for lengthy questioning. The State had opposed further protection, arguing that Roy’s custodial interrogation was necessary. And the BJP is now turning the arrest into a larger political issue. Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar described Roy as the “ear” of a larger chain and suggested that the “head” would follow — a clear hint that Abhishek Banerjee could be next. Majumdar also alleged that Roy handled administrative matters on Banerjee’s behalf, including contacting senior government officials. The Trinamool Congress has not yet issued an official response. Since the BJP government led by Suvendu Adhikari took office in May, more than 100 TMC leaders, functionaries and workers have reportedly been arrested in cases involving corruption, extortion, post-poll violence, land and recruitment-related allegations, as well as older cases. For now, the focus is on Roy’s custodial questioning and what the CID uncovers in the Salboni land case.

Roy had earlier been denied anticipatory bail by the Calcutta High Court on August 3. The Supreme Court subsequently gave him interim protection and directed him to cooperate with the CID investigation.

Abhishek Banerjee’s aide arrested after SC relief ends: BJP hints ‘head’ could be next

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has officially issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, directing them to submit their formal responses within seven days.


TMC rebels directed to respond to disqualification petitions in 7 days

Delays in monthly financial assistance under West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana have triggered protests and a political clash between the ruling BJP and opposition TMC. The dispute has intensified over the delay in payments and the impact on beneficiaries awaiting financial support.

Annapurna Yojana Payment row triggers political clash 

A court in West Bengal's Nadia district has ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra over her alleged non-compliance with an earlier order directing her appearance in an alleged hate speech case. The Krishnagar court has also directed that the execution report of the arrest warrant be submitted before it on August 28. Moitra is facing allegations of insulting women and making hate speech. The court had earlier issued pre-cognisance summons to her in connection with the case.

Hate speech case: Arrest warrant against West Bengal TMC leader

A court in West Bengal's Nadia district has ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra over her alleged non-compliance with an earlier order directing her appearance in an alleged hate speech case. The Krishnagar court has also directed that the execution report of the arrest warrant be submitted before it on August 28. Moitra is facing allegations of insulting women and making hate speech. The court had earlier issued pre-cognisance summons to her in connection with the case.


Breaking: Arrest warrant against TMC MP Mahua Moitra | Bengal court's big order in hate speech case

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in the state's Birbhum district on Sunday morning.

He was an ex-minister and also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, having represented the constituency for 25 consecutive years from 2001 to 2026. Banerjee, however, lost the seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhruba Saha in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

Ex-Bengal deputy speaker Asish Banerjee found dead

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Ashis Banerjee was found dead at a TMC party office in Birbhum's Rampurhat on Sunday morning. Police recovered a purported suicide note from the scene, though its authenticity hasn't been independently verified. Banerjee, a five-time MLA who once held ministerial portfolios under Mamata Banerjee's government, had lost his Rampurhat seat to BJP in this year's Assembly elections. His body has been sent for post-mortem, and police are examining the circumstances surrounding his death.


Former Bengal deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee found dead at TMC office in Birbhum

A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the unveiling of a statue of legendary Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar. The statue, inaugurated on the actor's death anniversary, has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many claiming it bears little resemblance to the iconic superstar.

The issue quickly turned political as opposition leaders and even voices within the Trinamool Congress questioned the quality of the statue, calling for it to be replaced. The controversy comes at a crucial time for the Trinamool Congress, which is grappling with internal divisions following a major party split.

Uttam Kumar Statue Sparks Political Storm in Bengal | Mamata Banerjee Faces Fresh TMC Crisis

In today's top India news:

Bombay High Court cancels the bail of Shiv Sena Corporation member Mahesh Mhatre in the assault case involving hospital staff.
Bulldozer action carried out against an office linked to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee over alleged building violations.
Olympic medalists Mirabai Chanu and Neeraj Chopra to lead India's contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust receives numerous applications for its first Chief Executive Officer amid donation misappropriation allegations.

Bombay HC cancels Shiv Sena leader's bail | Abhishek Banerjee office demolished | Commonwealth Games

Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee led a protest rally over the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur. She accused police of ignoring a Calcutta High Court order and letting BJP workers disrupt the Trinamool march. Mamata also claimed TMC workers were assaulted during the protest. The case has sparked statewide outrage, with political parties trading blame over law and order and the safety of children in Bengal.


West Bengal's former CM Mamata Banerjee holds protest rally, accuses BJP of disruptions 

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a massive leadership crisis as internal infighting reaches a boiling point. Senior leader and West Bengal State President Chandrima Bhattacharya has resigned from all party posts, citing hurt over accusations from Mamata Banerjee regarding her handling of the party headquarters.

Mamata aide resigns as TMC state Prez, Mamata set to assume key post 

The political crisis of TMC has taken a sharp turn for the worse. As the party was dealing with a rebellion from its MPs and MLAs, it is also now facing a battle for control of its party's assets, adding a new dimension to the power struggle. In the most recent development, the state police have frozen three of its bank accounts holding around ₹440 crore. These accounts were placed under “debit freeze”, which prevents withdrawals, but the credit facility remains operational. The party allegedly has roughly ₹600 crore in bank vaults, according to the audited financial disclosures submitted to the Election Commission.&nbsp;<h2>TMC's official treasurer</h2>Ideally, a Party's funds are issued by its National Treasurer, who is the primary legal authority on behalf of the registered political organisation for all its bank accounts. However, the TMC, following the dismal result in the recent State Assembly election, has organised into two camps. The party underwent a restructuring on June 5, after the result, probably presuming a turmoil in the loyalty of its MP and MLA. They appointed former MP Subhashish Chakraborty as the new treasurer of the organisation.&nbsp;However, Aroop Biswas, the former National Treasurer who is now aligned with the rebel camp, disputes his removal and claims he is still the rightful custodian. He claimed that since the party's leadership is contested by the majority of its electoral officials, his removal is invalid. He further claimed several cheques were signed during his tenure and are sitting at the party office, and are vulnerable to unauthorised use.&nbsp;Several rebel MLAs went to the cybercrime police station under the Bidhanagar Police Commissionerate in Salt Lake, Kolkata, questioning the source and utilisation of funds that are related to the same accounts maintained with a private sector bank. As per a copy of the complaint submitted to the police, the MLAs sought an investigation into transactions linked to three bank accounts. They are seeking a criminal probe into the ₹160 crore+ as "cut money," extorted wealth, and proceeds from scams. &nbsp;This comes as earlier in the week, Aroop Biswas sought freezing of operations in the accounts, expressing concern over their control and management. Now, the control and management of TMC funds is a multi-pronged battle from election laws to civil and criminal laws.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/should-rss-register-organisation-priyank-kharge-mohan-bhagwat-debate-1781867487190">RSS registration row: What are the arguments for and against formal registration?</a><h2>The entity battle</h2>The real control of the funds lies with the entity, which is the Trinamool Congress. As the bank has frozen the fund, the rebel faction now must approach the ECI and prove the test of majority under Section 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, as per the precedent set during the Shiv Sena Shinde vs Thackeray and NCP Ajit Pawar vs Sharad Pawar splits. The test of the majority will happen in two wings in the legislative wing and the organisational wing. The ECI will decide how many elected MPs and MLAs support each faction in the legislative wing and how many central working committee and national executives support in the organisational wing. Once the ECI decides which faction is the "real" party, that ruling is taken to a civil court to formally lift the HDFC Bank debit freeze and hand over account access to the recognised treasurer. While the criminal probe settles separately. &nbsp;The TMC leadership, Abhishek Banerjee, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and sought to disqualify 20 dissident MPs in Parliament. The rebels roughly hold 71 per cent of MPs and 81 per cent of MLAs, a huge numerical majority making it a one-sided battle. But it becomes more entangled as 20 MPs have formally joined NCPI, making their claim null and void.Further, &nbsp;the battle for entity is likely to become stranger as, according to insider reports, a faction among the rebel group, like June Maila, Saayoni Gosh, and Mitali Bag, want a clean break, while others, the Real TMC group led by Ritabrata Banerjee, insist on fighting the ECI battle specifically and claim the party identity and the frozen assets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As rival factions claim legitimacy, the TMC split has expanded into a battle over ₹440 crore in frozen funds, party ownership and organisational control.

The political crisis of TMC has taken a sharp turn for the worse. As the party was dealing with a rebellion from its MPs and MLAs, it is also now facing a battle for control of its party's assets, adding a new dimension to the power struggle. In the most recent development, the state police have frozen three of its bank accounts holding around ₹440 crore. These accounts were placed under “debit freeze”, which prevents withdrawals, but the credit facility remains operational. The party allegedly has roughly ₹600 crore in bank vaults, according to the audited financial disclosures submitted to the Election Commission. TMC's official treasurer Ideally, a Party's funds are issued by its National Treasurer, who is the primary legal authority on behalf of the registered political organisation for all its bank accounts. However, the TMC, following the dismal result in the recent State Assembly election, has organised into two camps. The party underwent a restructuring on June 5, after the result, probably presuming a turmoil in the loyalty of its MP and MLA. They appointed former MP Subhashish Chakraborty as the new treasurer of the organisation. However, Aroop Biswas, the former National Treasurer who is now aligned with the rebel camp, disputes his removal and claims he is still the rightful custodian. He claimed that since the party's leadership is contested by the majority of its electoral officials, his removal is invalid. He further claimed several cheques were signed during his tenure and are sitting at the party office, and are vulnerable to unauthorised use. Several rebel MLAs went to the cybercrime police station under the Bidhanagar Police Commissionerate in Salt Lake, Kolkata, questioning the source and utilisation of funds that are related to the same accounts maintained with a private sector bank. As per a copy of the complaint submitted to the police, the MLAs sought an investigation into transactions linked to three bank accounts. They are seeking a criminal probe into the ₹160 crore+ as "cut money," extorted wealth, and proceeds from scams. This comes as earlier in the week, Aroop Biswas sought freezing of operations in the accounts, expressing concern over their control and management. Now, the control and management of TMC funds is a multi-pronged battle from election laws to civil and criminal laws. Also Read: RSS registration row: What are the arguments for and against formal registration? The entity battle The real control of the funds lies with the entity, which is the Trinamool Congress. As the bank has frozen the fund, the rebel faction now must approach the ECI and prove the test of majority under Section 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, as per the precedent set during the Shiv Sena Shinde vs Thackeray and NCP Ajit Pawar vs Sharad Pawar splits. The test of the majority will happen in two wings in the legislative wing and the organisational wing. The ECI will decide how many elected MPs and MLAs support each faction in the legislative wing and how many central working committee and national executives support in the organisational wing. Once the ECI decides which faction is the "real" party, that ruling is taken to a civil court to formally lift the HDFC Bank debit freeze and hand over account access to the recognised treasurer. While the criminal probe settles separately. The TMC leadership, Abhishek Banerjee, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and sought to disqualify 20 dissident MPs in Parliament. The rebels roughly hold 71 per cent of MPs and 81 per cent of MLAs, a huge numerical majority making it a one-sided battle. But it becomes more entangled as 20 MPs have formally joined NCPI, making their claim null and void. Further, the battle for entity is likely to become stranger as, according to insider reports, a faction among the rebel group, like June Maila, Saayoni Gosh, and Mitali Bag, want a clean break, while others, the Real TMC group led by Ritabrata Banerjee, insist on fighting the ECI battle specifically and claim the party identity and the frozen assets.

As rival factions claim legitimacy, the TMC split has expanded into a battle over ₹440 crore in frozen funds, party ownership and organisational control.

Who controls TMC? ₹440 crore freeze pushes battle for ownership and legitimacy

Political uncertainty continues to grip the Trinamool Congress as senior leader Abhishek Banerjee faces questioning by the CID while rebel MPs publicly claim they have the numbers on their side. The developments come amid ongoing instability within the party, raising fresh questions about leadership, internal unity and the future direction of the organisation. As the political drama unfolds, attention remains firmly fixed on how Mamata Banerjee's party navigates one of its most challenging phases in recent years.


TMC General Secretary Questioned by CID, Rebel MPs Say Numbers Are With Them

In a major political development, around 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs have reportedly extended their support to the BJP-led NDA alliance, marking a significant setback for the party. The group, which had been in talks over forming a separate bloc, instead decided to merge with another political outfit before aligning with the NDA. The move follows meetings in Delhi and discussions with senior leaders, further deepening the internal crisis within the Trinamool Congress.

West Bengal Politics: 20 Rebel TMC MPs Declare Support For BJP-Led NDA

In a major political development, around 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs have reportedly extended their support to the BJP-led NDA alliance, marking a significant setback for the party. The group, which had been in talks over forming a separate bloc, instead decided to merge with another political outfit before aligning with the NDA. The move follows meetings in Delhi and discussions with senior leaders, further deepening the internal crisis within the Trinamool Congress.


West Bengal Politics: 20 Rebel MPs From Trinamool Congress Declare Support for BJP-Led NDA

TMC MP Kirti Azad has accused rebel leaders within the party of corruption, intensifying political tensions and internal divisions. The allegations have sparked fresh controversy within the Trinamool Congress as political clashes continue ahead of key electoral battles.

TMC MP Kirti Azad Accuses Rebel Party Leaders of Corruption

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing mounting political pressure as more leaders continue to leave the Trinamool Congress, deepening concerns over internal divisions within the party. The growing exodus has intensified speculation about leadership challenges, factionalism, and the possible impact on the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections. Opposition parties are closely watching the developments as the crisis unfolds.

Mamata Banerjee Faces Biggest Political Challenge, Leaders Continue to Leave TMC

Political tensions are rising as several parliamentarians continue to distance themselves from the Trinamool Congress, signalling growing rebellion within the party ranks. The developments have sparked speculation over internal disagreements, leadership challenges, and the possible impact on West Bengal’s political landscape ahead of key elections.


Rebellion Grows as Parliamentarians Leave Trinamool Congress

Reports indicate that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi proposed a merger between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian National Congress during closed-door meetings in New Delhi. The proposal was reportedly made amid a deepening internal crisis and mass defections within the TMC. 


Mamata Banerjee Faces Exodus From TMC, Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev Resigns

Reports: Sonia Gandhi Pushes For Congress-TMC Merger

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi, a day after the INDIA bloc meeting brought opposition leaders together to discuss future strategy. The meeting comes at a crucial political moment, with the TMC facing internal dissent following its recent electoral setback in West Bengal. As opposition parties seek to maintain unity and recalibrate their approach ahead of upcoming political battles, the renewed engagement between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi has drawn significant attention.

Mamata Banerjee Meets Sonia Gandhi As TMC Battles Dissent After Bengal Poll Defeat

A dramatic political development has emerged in West Bengal, with reports suggesting that 20 Trinamool Congress MPs have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking to join the ruling NDA. The move could reshape political equations in both West Bengal and New Delhi. This episode analyzes the potential fallout and what it means for India's political landscape.

Mamata In Touble? 20 TMC MPs Seeking To Join Ruling NDA 

Fresh signs of unrest have emerged within the Trinamool Congress, raising questions about party unity after its recent electoral setback. Reports suggest internal dissent is growing, with rebel voices challenging the leadership and exposing cracks within West Bengal's ruling political formation.

As the political battle intensifies, the developments could have major implications for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the future direction of the Trinamool Congress in the state.

West Bengal Politics: Report Suggests At Least 20 MPs Planning To Quit TMC

West Bengal: Rebellion Grows Within Trinamool Congress

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has led a major protest in Kolkata over alleged post-poll attacks, as tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP continue to rise. The political showdown comes amid fresh accusations and counter-claims following recent electoral developments in the state.


Is TMC Heading For A Split? Internal Rift Deepens After Bengal Poll Defeat 