In a significant development within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Chandrima Bhattacharya, a long-time confidante of party leader Mamata Banerjee, resigned from all her positions, including that of the TMC's West Bengal president. This move comes barely a month after she was appointed to the role, following the party's disappointing performance in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Bhattacharya's resignation letter, addressed to Mamata Banerjee, stated, "I hereby tender my resignation from the post of the state president of All India Trinamool Congress... I also hereby resign from all other posts which I hold at present." She also withdrew herself as the party's authorized signatory for its bank accounts and as Banerjee's authorized representative before the Election Commission, signaling a complete exit from her organizational responsibilities.
The catalyst for Bhattacharya's resignation appears to be an admonishment from Mamata Banerjee. Bhattacharya claimed that Banerjee accused her of "handing over" the TMC headquarters, Trinamool Bhavan, to a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. She expressed her hurt over the accusation, stating, "I was deeply hurt when she [Mamata Banerjee] called me to say that I have handed over the party office to them [the rebels], although I do not know how I did that."
The rebel faction had occupied the party's headquarters in Kolkata, changing the locks and declaring their intent to operate from the premises. Bhattacharya's presence at the office during this takeover, followed by her departure shortly after, led to the accusation from Banerjee. Bhattacharya's response to the situation was, "I was deeply hurt when she [Mamata Banerjee] called me to say that I have handed over the party office to them [the rebels], although I do not know how I did that."
In her resignation statement, Bhattacharya emphasized the erosion of trust, stating, "Where there is no trust, it's not possible to work properly." She also mentioned that once the fundamental binding forces are gone, there is no reason for her to stay in the party or return to it.
The timing of Bhattacharya's resignation is noteworthy, as it follows her electoral defeat in the Dum Dum Uttar Assembly constituency to BJP's Sourav Sikdar in the 2026 elections. Despite this setback, she was appointed as the state president on June 5, replacing veteran leader Subrata Bakshi.
Following her resignation, Bhattacharya was seen meeting with leaders of the rebel camp, including Ritabrata Banerjee, in the state legislative assembly. However, she denied any immediate plans to join the rebel faction, stating, "There's more to life than this. One must acknowledge the path time takes you on, but I am yet to decide the course I will chart."
The TMC is currently facing a deepening crisis, with internal divisions and defections challenging the party's unity. The Election Commission has been approached by both factions, seeking recognition and control over the party symbol and funds. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days.
Chandrima Bhattacharya's resignation marks a significant turning point for the TMC, highlighting the internal challenges the party faces in maintaining cohesion and leadership amidst growing dissent.