TMC Crisis Deepens as Minority Cell Leader Quits, Targets Abhishek Banerjee

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) faced another setback on Saturday as its state minority cell secretary Ajmal Siddiqui announced his resignation, deepening the internal crisis within Mamata Banerjee’s party.

Siddiqui said his decision was driven by concerns over the party’s internal functioning and the influence of its leadership. He also levelled serious allegations against TMC Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, accusing him of maintaining a “dictatorial attitude”.

In a statement, Siddiqui said the party had become associated with “disrepute” and alleged that several leaders were involved in “unsavoury activities”. Speaking to ANI, he said his decision came shortly after returning from the Hajj pilgrimage.

“Upon my return, I felt that this party brings nothing but disrepute; the majority of its members are involved in unsavoury activities—scandals keep surfacing, and more will likely emerge. Staying in this party felt very uncomfortable, and it wasn’t doing any real work for the people,” he said.

Siddiqui further blamed Abhishek Banerjee for what he described as the “collapse” of the party, alleging internal oppression and the filing of false cases in the past.

“The party is collapsing today solely because of one man: Abhishek Banerjee. His dictatorial attitude and the oppression we faced—false cases filed against us 12 or 13 years ago, demands for money—were unbearable,” he said.

When asked about his future political plans, including the possibility of joining the BJP, Siddiqui said his immediate focus was on the development of West Bengal.

“We haven’t thought about that yet. Our only desire is to see development in Bengal—industries established and jobs provided to the poor,” he said.

The resignation comes amid growing turbulence within the TMC. The party has been grappling with internal dissent following reports of rebel MLAs asserting control over the legislature party. Earlier this week, the Bengal Speaker recognised 58 rebel TMC legislators as the principal opposition group, further intensifying the political strain.

The crisis has been unfolding since the party’s recent electoral setbacks, with growing divisions becoming more visible in recent meetings, including one at Mamata Banerjee’s residence that saw limited attendance from non-rebel MLAs.