Fresh differences have surfaced within the rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after senior leader Ritabrata Banerjee proposed that Mamata Banerjee be given the role of “chief adviser” in the reorganised legislature party. The proposal, made during a meeting of the rebel bloc, triggered resistance from several dissident MLAs who insisted that Mamata Banerjee should continue as the supreme leader of the party rather than be confined to an advisory position. According to sources familiar with the meeting, a section of rebel legislators expressed discomfort over the wording of the proposal and argued that the party’s identity remains closely tied to Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. Some members reportedly suggested that she should instead be recognised as “chairperson” of the faction.

The development marks the first visible signs of disagreement within the rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who recently emerged as the face of the anti-leadership movement inside the TMC. The rebellion gained momentum after a large group of MLAs broke ranks with the party leadership following the TMC’s electoral setback in West Bengal. While the dissident leaders have openly criticised the growing influence of Abhishek Banerjee, many have avoided direct attacks on Mamata Banerjee herself.

Political observers believe the latest disagreement highlights the difficult position the rebel faction now finds itself in — balancing internal reform demands while maintaining loyalty to the party founder. The crisis has deepened in recent days, with reports suggesting that not all rebel MLAs are fully aligned on the future leadership structure. Questions have also emerged over whether the faction can maintain unity if differences over Mamata Banerjee’s role continue to grow.

The political battle within the TMC has intensified after the Bengal Assembly Speaker rejected the party leadership’s attempt to invalidate the rebel faction’s moves against Ritabrata Banerjee and his supporters. The unfolding developments are being closely watched across West Bengal, as the internal struggle threatens to reshape the future of the Trinamool Congress ahead of upcoming political battles in the state.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.