Another setback for Mamata Banerjee as Sukhendu Sekhar Ray quits TMC amid growing rebellion

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) suffered another setback on Monday after senior leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigned from the Rajya Sabha and announced his departure from the party. The move intensified the political crisis for Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress following its defeat in West Bengal.

Ray’s exit comes at a time when the party is already suffering internal dissent and growing questions over its future leadership structure. In his resignation letter, the leader said the people of West Bengal had given mandate to the BJP, ending the TMC’s 15-year tenure in the state. He stated that the election outcome reflected public dissatisfaction with the previous government’s performance across multiple sectors. He also alleged that the TMC administration was marked by corruption, failures in governance and shortcomings in areas such as health, education, employment and law and order. He further said that he was stepping down from both the Rajya Sabha and the party in what he described as a respectful acceptance of the electorate’s verdict.

Political observers have seen this resignation as another sign of the uncertainty surrounding the party’s future direction following its electoral defeat.

The crisis within the TMC escalated further after 58 rebel MLAs were recognised as the principal opposition group in the state Assembly. The legislators, led by Raitabrata Banerjee, have continued to acknowledge Mamata Banerjee as their leader while openly questioning the authority of her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. The rebellion has exposed deep divisions within the party and intensified speculation about a possible split.

Ray’s departure follows the resignation of TMC leader Ajmal Siddiqui earlier this month. Siddiqui cited concerns over the party’s functioning and criticised the influence of its leadership. He also levelled allegations against Abhishek Banerjee, accusing him of adopting a dictatorial approach within the organisation. His resignation further highlighted the growing unrest within the party ranks.

The coming weeks are likely to be crucial for the party as it attempts to contain dissent and rebuild after its electoral setback in West Bengal.