Debate on real TMC settled; Mamata, Abhishek represent fake TMC: BJP

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Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. File | Photo Credit: PTI

The BJP on Friday (June 12, 2026) claimed that a document carrying the signatures of 20 Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs establishes that the "real TMC" is led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, and not by Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.

The remarks came amid reports that 19-20 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs have signed a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

In a video statement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the TMC is witnessing an "implosion" due to dynastic politics and Ms. Banerjee’s preference for her nephew over the party.

"Proof is now out in the open. A document carrying the signatures of 20 Lok Sabha MPs of the real TMC under Kakoli Ghosh's leadership shows that the real TMC is different from what Mamata and Abhishek are representing. They are now the fake TMC," he said.

TMC plunged into a crisis following the party's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections in 2026, as the BJP ended Banerjee’s 15-year rule in the state. This included the former Chief Minister Banerjee losing her seat in Bhabanipur to Suvendu Adhikari by a margin of 15,105 votes, and a rebellion by a large section of its legislators. The turmoil later spread to Parliament, with dissident MPs claiming the support of more than 20 Lok Sabha members.

Mr. Poonawalla alleged that around 65-70 TMC MLAs as well as several Rajya Sabha MPs are also with the "real TMC".

"In the Vidhan Sabha too, around 65-70 MLAs have come together under the real TMC. Rajya Sabha MPs are also with the faction. It is a complete implosion of TMC. It is now called tukdo mein Congress," he said.

"Because she puts her nephew first and not the party, the party has moved away from her. This is what happens when you push dynastic politics. Those who have the numbers are the real TMC. Unfortunately, Ms. Banerjee has very few options left. She may want to merge her party with the Congres