West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee arrived in Delhi on June 7, 2026, ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting, but her visit was notably subdued compared to her earlier trips to the national capital. Once characterized by large crowds of loyal MPs, bustling entourages, and eager party workers, this time the atmosphere reflected deep internal turmoil within the TMC following its electoral setbacks.
A Noticeably Low-Key Arrival
Mamata Banerjee travelled with a small group that included Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen and veteran Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee. Her nephew and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had arrived a day earlier. Many other TMC MPs were reportedly unreachable, with phones switched off or calls going unanswered. Several women MPs were said to have made themselves scarce in Delhi during her stay.
The usual buzz at key locations was missing. Abhishek Banerjee’s Delhi residence, typically a hive of activity, saw limited footfall, and informal gathering spots for party leaders appeared unusually quiet.
Post-Election Rebellion Spills Over
The visit comes in the shadow of TMC’s major internal crisis after its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. A group of around 58 out of 80 TMC MLAs broke away, formed a separate faction, and elected expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as their Leader of Opposition. The Assembly Speaker recognized the group due to their two-thirds majority, marking one of the biggest setbacks for the party.
This rebellion now threatens to spread to the parliamentary wing. Reports suggest efforts to engineer a similar split among TMC’s Lok Sabha MPs, with claims of support from up to 20-23 MPs. Some are reportedly in touch with the Lok Sabha Speaker and exploring options like forming a separate bloc or aligning with the NDA. A two-thirds majority in the parliamentary party could help them avoid anti-defection provisions.
Central to the discontent is resentment against Abhishek Banerjee’s growing influence, his style of functioning, and allegations of centralized decision-making. In response, Mamata Banerjee has moved to dilute his authority by appointing Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen as joint national secretaries and overhauling party structures.
INDIA Bloc Meeting Amid Firefighting
Mamata’s primary agenda was to attend the INDIA bloc meeting at the Constitution Club to bolster opposition unity, particularly on issues like education and governance. She met AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal alongside Abhishek, stressing the need for collective strength ahead of 2029. Senior leaders extended support, but the focus remained on managing the home front crisis.
Loyalists like MP Kirti Azad publicly reaffirmed their support for Mamata, but the silence and absence of many MPs underscored the growing unease.
Deeper Challenges for TMC
The current turmoil exposes several vulnerabilities for the TMC:
- Widespread Discontent: Allegations of corruption, lack of protection for leaders facing cases, and frustration over perceived dynastic control.
- Organizational Strain: The Bengal-centric nature of the party makes it more susceptible to internal fractures.
- Leadership Questions: Doubts persist about Mamata’s ability to fully reassure and retain her flock amid the challenges posed by the “heir apparent.”
What Lies Ahead?
Mamata Banerjee’s “lonely” Delhi visit highlights a party at a crossroads. While she works to strengthen national opposition alliances, the internal rebellion in both the Assembly and potentially Parliament poses an existential test. The coming days and weeks will determine whether TMC can stem the tide of defections or if this marks the beginning of a larger erosion of Mamata’s once-unassailable control over the party she built.
For observers of West Bengal politics, this episode signals a pivotal and uncertain phase in the TMC’s journey.
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