In a major political development, senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Chandrima Bhattacharya resigned as the party’s West Bengal president and stepped down from all organisational positions on Saturday, less than a month after taking charge of the state unit.
Her resignation comes at a time when the party is grappling with an internal rebellion following its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the ruling party.
Resignation Letter Signals Complete Exit From Party Responsibilities
In her resignation letter, Bhattacharya announced that she was relinquishing not only the post of state president but also every other responsibility assigned to her within the Trinamool Congress.
She also withdrew herself as the authorised signatory for the party’s bank accounts and informed the leadership that she would no longer represent the TMC before the Election Commission of India.
The senior leader addressed Mamata Banerjee as the former Chief Minister in her letter instead of referring to her as the party chairperson, a detail that has drawn political attention.
Appointment Lasted Less Than a Month
Bhattacharya was appointed as the West Bengal TMC president on June 3, replacing veteran organiser Subrata Bakshi, who reportedly stepped aside due to health concerns.
A trusted associate of Mamata Banerjee for several years, Bhattacharya has held key ministerial portfolios, including finance, health, and panchayat and rural development, during the TMC government’s tenure.
Rebel Camp Intensifies Pressure
The resignation follows fresh turmoil within the Trinamool Congress after a rebel faction of party legislators occupied the party’s multi-storey office near the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, claiming to represent the “original TMC.”
The group also installed its own banner outside the party office while retaining the existing banner featuring Mamata Banerjee’s photograph.
According to people familiar with the developments, Bhattacharya was present at the party office during the incident but left shortly afterwards.
‘I Have a Grievance Against Myself’
Speaking after her resignation, Bhattacharya denied having any personal allegations against party leaders.
She said she was deeply hurt after being told by Mamata Banerjee that she had handed over the party headquarters to the rebel faction.
“I have no allegations against anyone. I have a grievance against myself that I may not have been able to keep the trust. I was told by Mamata Banerjee that I had handed over the TMC Bhavan. I am hurt. Who am I to hand over the Bhavan?” she said.
TMC Responds to the Resignation
Reacting to the development, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh described Bhattacharya as a veteran leader who had served the party and the government in several important capacities over the years.
He said it was unfortunate that she chose to resign at this stage despite her long association with the party.
Political Crisis Deepens After Election Defeat
The resignation comes against the backdrop of the TMC’s poor performance in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 208 of the 294 Assembly seats, while the TMC was reduced to 80 seats. Subsequently, 58 TMC MLAs joined a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, which was recognised by the Assembly Speaker as the official Opposition.
The split has drawn comparisons with the Shiv Sena division in Maharashtra in 2022, as the rebel legislators crossed the threshold required to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law.
