West Bengal: Owner Locks TMC Office From Inside Amid Ritabrata Banerjee Faction Takeover Row (Watch Video)

The internal power struggle within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) reached a flashpoint on Friday after the party’s rebel faction, led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, forcibly took control of the party's temporary organizational headquarters in Kolkata. The situation took another dramatic turn shortly after, as the building's owner reportedly locked the premises from the inside to protect the property amid the brewing political feud.

The incident unfolded at the rented multi-storey building off the Eastern Metropolitan (EM) Bypass, which has served as the party's operational hub. Tensions quickly escalated when rebel legislators arrived, held meetings inside, and placed a new padlock on the outer gates, claiming they represent the "real" Trinamool Congress. ‘They Are Criminal Trespassers’: Kalyan Banerjee Reacts to Ritabrata Banerjee Faction Seizing Kolkata TMC HQ (Watch Videos).

Rebel Faction Asserts Control Over Trinamool Bhavan

Led by Mr. Banerjee and former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, a delegation of rebel MLAs moved to occupy the premises just 24 hours after meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI) in New Delhi.

The dissident lawmakers put up fresh banners outside the building naming senior MLA Arup Roy as the party’s new chairperson—a position historically held by Mamata Banerjee. However, the rebels left existing portraits of Ms. Banerjee intact inside the offices, stating they still view her as a "chief advisor."

Speaking to reporters, rebel MLA Md Akhruzzaman defended the move, stating that the faction had already reached an understanding with the property owner. He stated that because those previously managing the office were no longer in a position to maintain it, the breakaway group would henceforth operate out of the building. TMC Leadership Row: ECI Writes to Mamata Banerjee, Ritabrata Banerjee Over Organisational Claims and Authorised Signatories.

Property Owner Shuts TMC Office From Inside

#WATCH | West Bengal | Amid row over the Trinamool Congress office in Kolkata after reports surfaced that the TMC Rebel faction led by LoP Ritabrata Banerjee has taken possession of it, the property owner has now locked the premises from inside. pic.twitter.com/vEdsbJ2Vej

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2026

Mamata Banerjee Camp Alleges Trespassing

The takeover provoked a sharp reaction from leaders loyal to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A camp delegation, including Beliaghata MLA Kunal Ghosh, arrived at the site on Friday evening to find the gates padlocked by the breakaway group. The loyalist faction strongly condemned the entry, dismissing it as an unlawful intrusion by expelled members. Mr. Ghosh confirmed that a formal police complaint has been lodged against the rebel lawmakers for illegal trespassing.

Other senior leaders from the Mamata camp criticized the logic of the takeover, arguing that the physical occupation of a rented office does not grant the breakaway group legal legitimacy or ownership over the 28-year-old political party. The conflict over the physical headquarters reflects a broader, high-stakes institutional battle. The crisis deepened last month when a majority of the party’s MLAs—reportedly 58 out of 80—revolted against Ms. Banerjee's leadership, leading the Assembly Speaker to recognize Ritabrata Banerjee as the state's Leader of the Opposition.

The dissidents have since established a parallel National Working Committee and filed paperwork to strip power from Ms. Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. They cite their significant legislative majority as proof that they represent the authentic All India Trinamool Congress. The fight is now headed to a legal resolution. The Election Commission of India has directed both factions to submit their formal organizational claims, counterclaims, and supporting documentation regarding the party’s name, assets, and "twin flower" election symbol by July 6.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 02:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).