TMC crisis deepens: Saayoni Ghosh joins rebels as Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi

The Trinamool Congress found itself battling political turbulence on two fronts on Wednesday, with senior leaders engaging key INDIA bloc allies in Delhi even as the party's internal rebellion gathered fresh momentum.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath, a day after party supremo Mamata Banerjee held discussions with Sonia Gandhi.

The meetings come amid renewed efforts by opposition parties to strengthen coordination within the INDIA bloc following its recent conclave in the national capital.

Opposition outreach continues amid party turmoil

While the details of the Banerjee-Gandhi meeting were not immediately disclosed, the interaction is being viewed as part of a broader attempt by opposition leaders to maintain unity against the BJP and keep communication channels active among alliance partners.

The outreach assumes significance as the Trinamool Congress grapples with one of its most serious internal crises in recent years.

At the INDIA bloc meeting earlier this week, Mamata Banerjee had urged alliance constituents to put aside differences and work together on issues affecting the public, underscoring the need for opposition cohesion.

However, even as the party leadership focused on national opposition politics, developments within the organisation continued to cast a shadow over its efforts.

Saayoni Ghosh joins rebel camp as dissent gathers pace

The rebellion led by senior MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar appeared to gain further traction on Wednesday after reports suggested that Jadavpur MP and TMC youth wing president Saayoni Ghosh had extended support to the dissident faction.

Sources indicated that she had contacted Ghosh Dastidar and backed documents supporting the breakaway group.

The latest development comes amid a series of resignations and exits that have exposed growing unease within the party.

Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev's resignation earlier in the day added another layer of uncertainty, fuelling speculation about deeper organisational fault lines.

Sources also suggest that Dev could be considered for a forthcoming Lok Sabha by-election in Assam, indicating that her resignation may be linked to a larger political strategy rather than a withdrawal from active politics.

The crisis has steadily intensified over the past two weeks, with several senior leaders stepping down from party responsibilities.

Former national spokesperson Santanu Sen, Assam unit chief Abhijit Majumdar, Minority Cell secretary Ajmal Siddiqui and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray are among those who have resigned, raising fresh questions about the party's internal cohesion.

Adding to the intrigue, a former TMC MP associated with the rebel camp is understood to have met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, signalling that the dissidents may be exploring political options beyond the party's traditional boundaries.

With the leadership engaged in high-level opposition consultations and the rebel camp continuing to expand its footprint, the Trinamool Congress faces mounting pressure to contain a crisis that is showing little sign of easing.