In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing internal rift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Friday took control of the party’s metropolitan office, Trinamool Bhavan, along the EM Bypass in Kolkata, intensifying the power struggle with the camp loyal to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The development comes in the backdrop of an already heated dispute over party control, including claims over the official symbol and organisational authority. The rebel faction, which has been asserting itself as the “real Trinamool,” has now moved to occupy the physical headquarters, significantly raising the stakes in the ongoing confrontation.
Ritabrata arrived at the Trinamool Bhavan unexpectedly on Friday afternoon, accompanied by several key members of the dissident group. Among those present were senior leaders including Firhad Hakim and Javed Khan, along with Akruzzaman, who currently serves as Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Assembly. The group entered the premises and immediately convened a meeting inside the building.
Speaking to media, Akruzzaman asserted the faction’s claim over the premises, stating that the office rightfully belonged to them as representatives of the “real” Trinamool. Sources indicated that the rebel camp now intends to conduct regular organisational activities and meetings from the metropolitan office.
The takeover is rooted in a prolonged dispute over the ownership and usage of the property. The building is owned by Monotosh Saha, alias Montu, once considered a close associate of Mamata Banerjee. Following a fallout with the party leadership after the recent political changes in the state, Saha had reportedly issued a notice in May asking the party to vacate the premises within two months.
On Friday, Saha’s son was present at the site when the rebel faction entered the building, signalling the property owners’ approval of the move. According to sources, portions of the building — particularly the third and fourth floors — had already been vacated earlier and were under lock, with furniture removed. Despite previous legal complications and a police complaint filed by the owners to reclaim possession, the rebel faction allegedly broke open the locks and entered those sections.
Meanwhile, senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, known to be loyal to Mamata Banerjee, arrived at the scene as tensions mounted.
The confrontation over the party office mirrors a larger legal and political battle unfolding at the national level. Both factions are currently engaged in a dispute before the Election Commission of India over the control of the party name and symbol. The Ritabrata-led group has already held discussions with Election Commission officials in Delhi, staking its claim.
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