NEW DELHI: Following a significant electoral defeat, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) faced internal dissent as party chief Mamata Banerjee addressed her leaders on Saturday. During a meeting with candidates who participated in the West Bengal assembly election of 2026 at her residence in Kalighat, Banerjee adopted a resolute stance despite the party’s poor performance, which saw them relegated to opposition.
According to reports from the news agency PTI, Banerjee stated, “Those who are leaving for other parties, let them go. I will rebuild the party afresh.” This message was interpreted as a strategy to quell rumors of potential defections following the election defeat.
Banerjee urged loyal party members to restore damaged party offices throughout the state and reconnect with grassroots supporters. She remarked, “To those who are staying, I say rebuild the damaged party offices, paint them and reopen them. If needed, I too will paint them. Trinamool Congress will never bow down. People’s mandate has been looted.”
The meeting reflected growing concern over internal discord within the TMC, which suffered a considerable decline in its legislative presence. Out of 294 assembly seats, the TMC secured only 80, with Banerjee herself losing her traditionally strong seat in Bhabanipur. The party contested 291 seats, leaving three for its ally, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha, but only 80 of its candidates won.
This closed-door meeting was convened amid signs of unrest among defeated candidates and speculation about leaders contemplating a shift to other parties after the setbacks. Banerjee acknowledged this possibility. Shortly after the election results were announced, she stated, “I know many will leave for other parties. They may have their own compulsions. Whoever wants to go may go. I do not believe in forcibly holding anyone back.”
The TMC later shared images from the meeting on social media platform X, aiming to project unity and commending its candidates for their spirited efforts despite alleged intimidation during the campaign.
