Chandrima Bhattacharya Quits TMC Posts
Trinamool Congress leader Chandrima Bhattacharya has resigned from all party posts, including her role as the party’s West Bengal president, in another major setback for Mamata Banerjee amid the continuing turmoil inside the party.
Bhattacharya, who was long seen as one of Mamata Banerjee’s close aides, had been appointed state president after the party’s Assembly election defeat. She had replaced Subrata Bakshi after Mamata Banerjee dissolved party committees and restructured the organisation.
In her resignation letter, Bhattacharya said she was stepping down as state president of the All India Trinamool Congress and from all other posts she currently held.
Bhattacharya Withdraws From Party Roles
Bhattacharya also said she was withdrawing herself as the authorised signatory for the party and its related organisations in bank accounts. She further withdrew from her role as the party’s authorised representative before the Election Commission of India.
Despite resigning, she stated that she would continue to hold Mamata Banerjee in high regard. After stepping down, Bhattacharya said it was not possible to work where there was no faith or trust.
Soon after sending her resignation, Bhattacharya met the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee at the Bengal Assembly. Ritabrata Banerjee has been appointed Leader of Opposition in the Assembly after receiving support from most MLAs, despite Mamata Banerjee nominating senior TMC MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.
TMC Faces Growing Rebellion
The resignation comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is facing a major internal crisis following its Assembly election setback. A large section of its MLAs has broken away and formed a separate group, while several MPs have also revolted.
The developments have deepened the divide within the party and raised fresh questions over control of the organisation.
Tension Over Party Headquarters
Bhattacharya’s resignation came a day after rival factions clashed over control of the Trinamool office in Kolkata.
The rebel faction took control of Trinamool Bhavan, changed the locks, installed a new signboard naming Arup Roy as party chairman, and claimed to represent the “real TMC” before the Election Commission.
Leaders loyal to Mamata Banerjee then reached the party office and filed police complaints against the takeover. Security was tightened around the building as tensions escalated between the two camps.
The latest resignation adds to the pressure on Mamata Banerjee as the internal battle for control of the Trinamool Congress continues.
