‘We Are the Trinamool Congress’: West Bengal LoP Ritabrata Banerjee Amid Deepening Rift With Mamata Camp

Kolkata: The political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress intensified on Tuesday after West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee declared that his faction constitutes the “real” Trinamool Congress, escalating an ongoing confrontation with the camp loyal to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Addressing supporters amid the deepening organizational dispute, Banerjee asserted that his group remained committed to the party's original principles and represented the true political legacy of the Trinamool Congress.

“We are the Trinamool Congress,” Banerjee said, signaling an increasingly direct challenge to the leadership structure associated with Mamata Banerjee and her supporters.

The statement comes against the backdrop of a widening internal conflict that has exposed divisions within the party over leadership, organizational control and political strategy. In recent weeks, rival factions have traded accusations while attempting to consolidate support among party workers and elected representatives.

Supporters of Ritabrata Banerjee argue that the party requires structural reforms and a renewed focus on grassroots organization. They claim that their movement seeks to preserve the founding ideals of the Trinamool Congress and provide an alternative vision for its future.

The Mamata Banerjee camp, however, has dismissed such claims and maintained that the Chief Minister remains the undisputed leader of the party. Senior leaders loyal to Mamata have accused dissidents of attempting to create confusion among workers and undermine the party's unity.

Political observers note that the confrontation has evolved beyond a routine disagreement and now resembles a broader battle for influence within one of West Bengal's most powerful political organizations. The competing claims over legitimacy have raised questions about how the dispute could affect the party's electoral prospects and organizational cohesion.

The Trinamool Congress has long revolved around the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, who founded the party and transformed it into the state's dominant political force. As a result, any challenge to her authority is likely to attract significant attention across the political spectrum.

Opposition parties have closely watched the developments, with some leaders suggesting that the internal divisions could weaken the ruling party's position in the state. Trinamool leaders, meanwhile, insist that the organization remains strong despite public disagreements.

The latest remarks by Banerjee are expected to further sharpen the political contest between the rival camps. Party workers across several districts are reportedly awaiting clarity on the leadership question as both sides continue to assert their legitimacy.

For now, the battle appears far from resolved. With each faction claiming to represent the true spirit of the Trinamool Congress, the coming weeks could prove critical in determining the direction of the party and the future of its internal power structure.