Mamata holds closed-door meeting amid party rebellion

Amid political speculation following the West Bengal assembly election defeat, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee held a closed-door meeting at her Kalighat residence on Friday, June 5, with a limited number of leaders. The small number of invitees has sparked widespread discussion in political circles.

Those seen entering Mamata's residence included former MLA Chandrima Bhattacharya, Rajya Sabha member Dola Sen, Swarupnagar MLA Beena Mandal, Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, former minister Rajiv Banerjee, and two former MLAs from Andhra Pradesh.

Although the agenda was not officially disclosed, political observers believe discussions focused on the recent political situation, party organisation strategy and future plans.

The meeting followed Mamata's return to street politics with a major protest programme in Kolkata on June 2, where she pledged to "fight or die." She alleged that the BJP was attacking Trinamool leaders, including her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and intimidating party workers.

However, the presence of public representatives at that programme was limited. Only eight of Trinamool's 80 MLAs were present, reflecting the internal crisis within the party.

Internal disagreements have plagued Trinamool since its election defeat to the BJP on May 4. The crisis has now spread beyond West Bengal to the parliamentary party, with reports suggesting that 23 MPs are in contact with the rebel MLA group.

The division began when 60 of 80 MLAs distanced themselves from the party and projected expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as their leader. The Speaker later recognised Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition.