TMC internal rift: BJP claims ‘real TMC’ is led by Kakoli Ghosh

The BJP on Friday (June 12) escalated its attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming that a document reportedly signed by 20 of the party's Lok Sabha MPs indicates that the "real TMC" is now being led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar rather than party supremo Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.

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The remarks came amid reports that 19-20 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs have signed a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, fuelling speculation about growing unrest within the party's parliamentary ranks.

BJP alleges split

In a video statement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the TMC is witnessing an "implosion" due to dynastic politics and Mamata's preference for her nephew over senior party leaders.

"Proof is now out in the open. A document carrying the signatures of 20 Lok Sabha MPs of the real TMC under Kakoli Ghosh's leadership shows that the real TMC is different from what Mamata and Abhishek are representing. They are now the fake TMC," he said.

Internal rift

TMC plunged into a crisis following the party's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections in 2026, as the BJP ended Mamata's 15-year rule in the state. This included former chief minister Mamata losing her seat to Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur by a margin of 15,105 votes, and a rebellion by a large section of its legislators. The turmoil later spread to Parliament, with dissident MPs claiming the support of more than 20 Lok Sabha members.

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Poonawalla alleged that around 65-70 TMC MLAs as well as several Rajya Sabha MPs are also with the "real TMC".

"In the Vidhan Sabha too, around 65-70 MLAs have come together under the real TMC. Rajya Sabha MPs are also with the faction. It is a complete implosion of TMC. It is now called tukdo mein Congress," he said.

"Because she puts her nephew first and not the party, the party has moved away from her. This is what happens when you push dynastic politics. Those who have the numbers are the real TMC. Unfortunately, Mamata has very few options left. She may want to merge her party with the Congress," Poonawalla said.

Kakoli denies claims

However, the TMC leader has denied the allegations and issued a clarification denying any involvement with the purported document.

In a social media post, she said that no letter had been written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on any issue and categorically rejected any association with the claims being made.

Attack on dynastic politics

Drawing parallels with other regional parties, Poonawalla alleged that leaders who promote dynastic politics eventually lose control of their parties.

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"This is the reality of life. Those who promote dynastic politics in parties eventually lose control of them. Whether it is the NCP (Sharad Pawar), TMC, DMK or RJD, the result is the same. It is high time they realised this," he said.

(With agency inputs)