The internal crisis in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated on Friday after the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee claimed control of the party headquarters, Trinamool Bhavan, in Kolkata.
The rebel leaders returned from New Delhi after appearing before the Election Commission, where they claimed they were the legitimate representatives of the party. They also put up an “All India Trinamool Congress” signboard at the office and announced senior MLA Arup Roy as the party’s chairperson.
The Mamata Banerjee camp strongly opposed the move, calling it illegal. Party leaders said a police complaint had been filed, alleging that expelled members had no right to enter or lock the party office. Security personnel have been deployed outside the headquarters to maintain order.
The Election Commission has asked both factions to submit documents supporting their claims over the party’s leadership, organisation, and election symbol by July 6.
The political battle began after a group of rebel MLAs challenged Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and elected Arup Roy as party chief. While the dissident camp claims majority support within the legislature, the Mamata faction insists the rebellion is unconstitutional and says it will fight the matter through legal and political means.