Rebel TMC camp moves to formalise control over party structure, appoints Arup Roy as chairperson

Business To Business, Kolkata, 22^nd June, 2026:  In a significant escalation of the internal conflict within the All India Trinamool Congress, a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday convened a special session in Kolkata and announced senior MLA Arup Roy as the chairperson of what it described as the "real" Trinamool Congress.
The development represents the most direct organizational challenge yet to Mamata Banerjee, whose leadership has come under pressure following a series of defections and internal rebellions after the party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The special session was held at a five-star hotel in the New Town area of Kolkata and was attended by rebel MLAs, councillors, and former elected representatives from multiple districts.
According to the rebel camp, the meeting was intended to chart a new direction for the party and formalize an alternative organizational structure. By naming Arup Roy as chairperson, the faction signaled its intention to challenge the authority of the existing leadership.
The move is likely to intensify the ongoing battle over the control, identity, and future of the Trinamool Congress. Questions regarding organizational legitimacy, legislative support, and recognition by constitutional and electoral authorities may now become central to the dispute.
The official Trinamool Congress leadership has consistently maintained that Mamata Banerjee remains the party's undisputed leader and has previously dismissed the claims of rebel groups. Further developments are expected as both sides seek to consolidate support among elected representatives and party workers.