Team rebel swells to 64, late-night raid at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence: TMC split worries mount

TMC Rebel Faction Swells to 64, Late-Night Raid on Abhishek Banerjee’s Residence Sparks Division Concerns

Team rebel swells to 64 late, as central security forces conducted a surprise raid at the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata late Saturday. The operation, which lasted for four hours, has intensified worries about internal fractures within the ruling party. The move comes amid growing tensions between senior TMC leaders, raising questions about the stability of the party ahead of critical political developments.

Rebel Faction’s Rapid Growth

The TMC is currently at a crossroads, with over 64 legislators reportedly aligning with the rebel faction. This number has increased significantly from 58 in a matter of days, according to expelled leader Sandipan Saha. “We did not think that so many MLAs would join us,” Saha stated in an interview with ANI, highlighting the unexpected scale of the internal dissent. The faction’s expansion signals a deeper rift, as more members seek to challenge Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership.

Political Shifts and Allegiances

A letter signed by 19 rebel MPs has emerged, suggesting they may attempt to form a separate parliamentary group. While the Speaker’s office has not yet confirmed receipt, the document’s date—May 18—marks the aftermath of the TMC’s electoral setback, ending Mamata Banerjee’s extended tenure as chief minister. The discrepancy between the 19 names and 20 serial numbers on the letter has fueled speculation about an additional MP possibly joining the rebellion.

“Kalyan Banerjee is older than me. He has the right to express his views. He has seen me since my childhood. I won’t speak anything against him,” Abhishek Banerjee told reporters after the raid.

The late-night raid on Banerjee’s residence began around 3 a.m. on Saturday, with police breaking into the property to conduct searches. Banerjee accused authorities of using excessive force, claiming the entire premises were thoroughly examined. This action follows recent remarks by senior TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee, who labeled him “arrogant” and called for a choice between the two leaders. The timing of the raid has raised eyebrows, as it coincides with the rebel faction’s growing influence.

Rebellion within the TMC has also gained momentum in the state assembly, with 58 legislators previously writing to Mamata Banerjee to seek guidance. These lawmakers expressed frustration with Abhishek’s leadership, stating they aim to position themselves as the primary opposition force. “We are the real TMC now in the assembly,” said Ritabrata Banerjee, who leads the rebel MLAs. The faction’s resistance to Abhishek’s authority has further deepened the internal divide.

Compounding the situation, the rebel faction has raised objections against Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership, asserting they will not support his decisions. Some legislators have alleged a forged signatures scandal, claiming names were added without consent. This has added to the uncertainty, as the TMC grapples with balancing its political ambitions and internal cohesion. Team rebel swells to 64 late, with the potential for more members to defect as the situation evolves.

Under party rules, a merger with another faction requires at least two-thirds of legislators to agree. The 19 rebel MPs hold strategic significance, as their numbers could determine the outcome of a potential split. Discussions about their next steps, including a planned meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, are expected to shape the party’s future. As tensions escalate, the TMC faces a pivotal moment in its political history, with the fate of its unity hanging in the balance.