Battle for TMC Control Intensifies After Rebels Claim Party Headquarters

The internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated on Friday after the rebel faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee took control of the party's Metropolitan headquarters in Kolkata, intensifying the battle for organisational authority as rival claims await scrutiny by the Election Commission (EC) .

The dissident camp changed the locks, installed fresh posters and declared the office would serve as its operational headquarters. The move came a day after the faction appeared before the EC, staking claim over the TMC's name, election symbol, organisational structure and assets .

Accompanied by senior leaders, Ritabrata Banerjee asserted that his faction represented the "real" Trinamool Congress. The new posters omitted Mamata Banerjee and identified senior MLA Arup Roy as the party's chairperson, reflecting the parallel leadership structure announced by the rebels last month.

The Mamata Banerjee camp condemned the takeover, with senior leader Kunal Ghosh accusing the dissidents of creating confusion within the party. The loyalist faction also alleged the takeover had tacit support from the state administration and police, a charge denied by the rebels.

Following Thursday's hearing, the Election Commission directed both factions to submit documents supporting their claims by July 6 , including details of organisational elections, authorised signatories and party control.

The dispute marks the most serious split in the TMC since its formation in 1998 . With rival camps staking claim to the party's leadership, headquarters and organisational apparatus, the takeover underscores an intensifying struggle over the TMC's political identity as the legal, organisational and electoral battle enters a decisive phase.