Internal rift is almost out in the open. Despite a stern warning from party supremo, Mamata Banerjee some of the disgruntled leaders refused to pull their punches.

The warning of the party supremo had not made these leaders have second thoughts about voicing the causes behind the poll debacle. The matter was all the more embarrassing for former chief minister as her nephew and de facto number two in the party, Abhishek Banerjee was singled out for the poll reverse.

The agenda of the meeting at Kalighat where Banerjee lives was bringing together newly elected MLAs and some senior leaders. Beside discussing the future course of action, it was supposed to be a morale boosting session.

But at least 10 MLAs chose to skip the last week’s meeting. Prominent among them was Byron Biswas elected from Sagardighi who had earlier switched over from Congress.

As for those who had chosen to attend, Manirul Islam former MLA from Farakka training his guns on Abhishek said that the latter kept him waiting for hours and did not meet him. If the party survives this debacle, Abhishek should be dissociated from running it, he had said, according to TMC sources.

Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, a leader from Malda too targetted Abhishek and I-PAC the political consultancy firm which handled TMC's poll campaign. Sources stated that he had said that the power had shifted from Mamata Banerjee which was the principal cause of electoral defeat.

The TMC leadership has however distanced itself from the dissenting voices stating these views were personal and had nothing to do with the party stand. But the fact remains that intra-party discontent and dissent can no longer be reined in.

What emerges is the absence of second rung leadership in the party which once rose from the grassroots. The absence of leaders like Partha Chatterjee, Mukul Roy is telling upon the party organisation.

These leaders had built organizational network, local dynamics and ensured electoral delivery. The leadership vaccum is visible in the TMC.

The party organisation will be tested in coming civic polls and panchayat elections in 2027 and 2028 respectively. The party rank and file is looking up to Mamata Banerjee who shines as an Opposition leader. She has assured that she will lead the same way the party members as she earlier as an opposition leader. She has worked out her campaign plan against the BJP and hoping that it will work in reviving the demoralized cadres

Abhishek Banerjee has worked out the multi pronged strategy to meet the challenge of the ruling BJP in the state. This includes organizational Restructuring and Accountability: Formation of new committees within five days of announcement to oversee party activities, with a strict emphasis on performance, following a virtual meeting with 4,500 party functionaries. A directive to take action against underperforming or inactive leaders within a set timeline. Restructuring the youth wing and organizing them under a unified system to build a "next-gen" leadership, as highlighted by his role in restructuring from 2011 to 2026.

Grassroots Outreach and "Connect & Dialogue": A month-long 'Connect and Dialogue' programme (launched late 2025) involving 1,800 identified "influencers" to directly interact with the public ahead of 2026. A campaign enabling local people to choose their preferred candidates for rural polls via secret ballots, enhancing local participation in democracy. A, as termed, "election of resistance and revenge" strategy focused on mobilizing voters against the alleged central government suppression and strengthening the local identity. A focus on direct interaction with commoners at the local level (e.g., at tea shops) to explain the party’s stance.

Technological and Electoral Integrity: A special focus on identifying and removing "fake voters" from the voter list (Special Intensive Revision - SIR), set to start in early 2026. Re-engaging poll consultancy firm I-PAC to train party workers in ensuring voter list integrity and strengthening booth-level management.

Campaigning and Messaging: Highlighting the non-payment of funds by the central government (e.g., MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana). Intensively promoting state-led welfare schemes like "Lakshmir Bhandar". Utilizing the template of the "Nabo Joar Yatra" (New Wave Yatra) to galvanize support and counter the BJP's narrative, focusing on "Bengal's Identity".

Rebuilding Efforts: 'Banglar Jubo Shokti' Programme: A plan (initiated earlier) aiming for a massive volunteer base (1 lakh members) for state rebuilding, targeting youth leadership and organizing them into a strong grassroots force.

Internal Communication and Discipline: Virtual Meetings: Regularly holding, as noted, virtual meetings with thousands of party workers to maintain a direct communication channel and bypass local bureaucracy.

But the "morale boosting meeting" has opened the Pandora's Box. It's now out in the open. Three spokespersons of the TMC have been suspended. They are Kohinoor Majumdar, Rinu Dutta and Kartick Ghosh, all of whom have been outspoken in their criticism of the party policy and it's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee.

The efficacy of this disciplinary proceedings is doing the rounds in TMC circles. Mamata Banerjee seems to be on an "amputation spree" when giving a patient hearing would have been sufficient to reduce dissent, a senior leader said requesting anonymity.

This is not the right way to rejuvenate the rank and file who worked hard in the just concluded election, he continued. If things continue this way, the party would be running short of activists when it hits the streets in any agitation against the BJP government, he felt.

The party supremo has a long and bumpy road ahead of her. A course correction is essential. The TMC poll machinery has faltered and failed.. Individuals responsible for it have to be earmarked irrespective of their proximity to the party supremo. Some chastisement needs to be meted out to a few senior leaders if factionalism is to end. Mamata Banerjee has to fix a point and a person where the buck will stop.

Many TMC veterans say that Mamata is best when she is in opposition. But the fact is she is now 71 and after 15 years of being in power whether she will be having the same stamina and energy like 2006-2008 in carrying her fight against the all powerful BJP. Bengal political observers will watch with big interest how she starts leading the campaign against the ruling BJP. Mamata is heading for a difficult and bumpy road. (IPA Service)