How a breakaway faction rose to power and then fractured in West Bengal
In 1998, Mamata Banerjee left the Indian National Congress to form a party rooted in the 'grassroots.' After decades of dominating West Bengal, a sudden 2026 electoral defeat and an unprecedented internal rebellion have left the Trinamool Congress fundamentally transformed.
The All India Trinamella Congress (AITC) emerged in 1998 as a challenge to the long-standing CPI(M)-led Left Front, which had governed West Bengal since 1977. Founded by Mamata Banerjee, the party’s identity was built on 'grassroots' symbolism—represented by its Jora Ghas Phul election symbol, two flowers on a single stem designed by Banerjee to signify Hindu-Muslim unity. The party's rise was fueled by intense local movements, most notably the protests in Nandigram in 2007 following a violent police crackdown during a land acquisition dispute.
For much of its history, the AITC was the dominant force in West Bengal, securing consecutive victories in 2011, 2016, and 2021. During this era, the party expanded its influence through strategic alliances and even held national roles, such as Banerjee’s tenure as Minister of Railways. However, the political landscape shifted significantly in 2019 when the BJP emerged as a major competitor in the state, and the party's national status was later called into question due to a diminishing presence outside West Bengal.
The year 2026 marked a dramatic turning point. Following a landslide defeat in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, where the BJP won 135 seats, the party faced an unprecedented crisis. Banerjee refused to resign her office immediately after losing her seat in Bhabanipur, alleging electoral irregularities. This instability triggered a massive internal rebellion; 20 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh, declared their intent to join the NDA, while 60 rebel MLAs supported Ritabrata Banerjee. This fracture resulted in the freezing of the party's name and symbol, leaving the AITC divided into several competing factions.
Source: Trinamool Congress
