Rebels seize Trinamool's central office, tension grips Kolkata

Tension has gripped the central office of the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata, West Bengal, following internal party disputes. Rebel faction leaders have locked the main gate of the party office and declared it under their control after a meeting.

The rebel faction was led by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Ritabrata Banerjee, on Friday evening, July 3. Several MLAs, including Sandipan Saha, Firhad Hakim, Javed Khan, Akhruzzaman and Prasun Banerjee, were present.

Rebel leader Akhruzzaman said the party office holds a long history and emotional connection with Trinamool Congress, making it necessary for them to take charge of the office. He claimed they had taken the initiative after discussions with the building owner.

New posters were put up in front of the party office on Friday, which featured Mamata Banerjee's picture but not Abhishek Banerjee's. When asked about this, Ritabrata Banerjee said, "Mamata Banerjee is our mentor. I do not wish to say more."

Upon learning of the incident, Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh, who is loyal to the Kalighat faction, arrived at the scene and urged workers to remain calm. He termed the rebels' move irresponsible and filed a written complaint at the police station demanding enhanced security at the party office. He also questioned the role of the police.

Police and central forces have been deployed in the area to maintain control.

Earlier on Thursday, a 10-member delegation led by Ritabrata Banerjee met with the full bench of the Election Commission in Delhi, claiming they were the "real Trinamool." They asserted that two-thirds of the MLAs, councillors and Zila Parishad members were with them.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing standoff over the party office, senior Trinamool leader Chandrima Bhattacharya announced her resignation from all organisational posts, stating that she felt emotionally hurt by questions over her loyalty and could not continue in the current situation.