Trinamool Grapples with Internal Factionalism Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata: With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, all political parties, including the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), have begun internal restructuring to strengthen their organizational framework. However, factional conflicts within the TMC have emerged as a significant challenge alongside opposition pressure. Many party leaders have acknowledged that these internal disputes could impact the party's performance in the upcoming elections. In response, the leadership has intensified efforts to address factionalism at the district level well in advance of the polls.

The process of selecting leaders and workers to ensure party discipline and cohesion has already begun, aiming to prevent internal sabotage during the elections. The urgency of this issue was underscored by Arup Chakraborty, the TMC Member of Parliament from Bankura and the party's organizational district president in the region. While addressing a meeting of the Women's Trinamool in Bikna, Bankura, Chakraborty publicly warned against disloyal elements within the party ranks.

"There are many dishonest individuals and traitors who might attempt to betray the party during the elections while remaining under the umbrella of Trinamool," he stated. Emphasizing party unity, he further cautioned, "Those who create discord against Jora Phool (the party symbol) before the elections will find themselves isolated in their villages."

Reiterating his stance, Chakraborty later remarked, "If you want to build a party, you have to commit to one party. We do not need workers who remain with the TMC throughout the year but switch allegiance if they do not receive a ticket during elections. The process of identifying such elements has already begun." His statements signal a decisive move by the TMC to ensure loyalty within its ranks as it prepares for the electoral battle.

Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized the TMC’s approach, highlighting alleged internal conflicts within the ruling party. Former Union Minister Subhash Sarkar claimed that disputes over financial matters have severely undermined trust among TMC workers. He also took a dig at the decision to isolate dissenting members, suggesting that the infighting within the TMC has reached unprecedented levels.

As West Bengal heads toward the crucial 2026 assembly elections, the political landscape remains charged. The TMC faces the dual challenge of resolving its internal rifts while countering opposition attacks. How effectively the party manages these issues will play a crucial role in shaping its electoral prospects in the coming months.