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The TMC reshuffle gives important organisational responsibilities to trusted veterans, but stops short of removing Abhishek Banerjee from his key post.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (Image-PTI File)
Amid growing internal turbulence within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party supremo Mamata Banerjee has carried out a major organisational reshuffle.
After dissolving several party positions, she announced a new structure during a meeting at Kalighat on Friday, signalling an attempt to balance competing power centres within the party ahead of crucial political battles.
One of the most significant developments is that the responsibility of running the organisation has not been concentrated solely in the hands of Abhishek Banerjee. While Abhishek continues as National General Secretary, two senior leaders — Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen — have been appointed National Joint Secretaries and will assist him in organisational matters.
The move is being interpreted by many within the party as an effort by Mamata Banerjee to create a broader leadership structure rather than allowing organisational authority to remain concentrated around Abhishek Banerjee alone.
Key Appointments
The West Bengal Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee has been reconstituted, with the party indicating that additional names may be added later.
Among the major appointments:
- Chandrima Bhattacharya has been appointed State President.
- Veteran organisational leader Subrata Bakshi continues as Vice-President in the National Working Committee.
- Sajda Ahmed, Mamata Thakur, Nayana Bandyopadhyay and Swati Khandekar have been appointed Vice-Presidents of the West Bengal Pradesh Trinamool Congress.
The newly appointed State General Secretaries are:
- Babar Ali
- Pulak Roy
- Ashima Patra
- Aroop Biswas
- Rajib Banerjee
The Executive Committee includes:
- Jyotipriyo Mullick
- Dr Rana Chatterjee
- Bidesh Bose
- Trinankur Bhattacharjee
- Jaya Dutta
- Tapas Chatterjee
- Vasundhara Goswamy
- Gautam Deb
Youth, Women’s And Mass Organisations
- Saayoni Ghosh remains President of TMYC.
- Madhurima Thakur has been appointed TMYC General Secretary.
- Mala Roy will head the women’s wing.
- Priyanka Adhikary has been appointed President of TMCP.
- Moloy Ghatak will lead INTTUC.
- Madan Mitra has been given charge of the Hawkers and Government Organisations wing.
- Becharam Manna will head the farmers’ wing.
- Purnendu Bose has been assigned responsibility for agricultural labourers.
- Birbaha Hansda will head the SC/ST cell.
The party’s spokesperson panel will continue with Chandrima Bhattacharya, Kalyan Banerjee, Madan Mitra and Kunal Ghosh.
Return Of The Old Guard
The reshuffle clearly indicates that Mamata Banerjee has once again placed considerable trust in several senior leaders and long-time party loyalists. The elevation of Chandrima Bhattacharya, the continued prominence of Subrata Bakshi, and the assignment of organisational responsibilities to leaders such as Madan Mitra and Gautam Deb suggest a renewed emphasis on experienced hands within the organisation.
The move is likely aimed at restoring organisational discipline and strengthening the party structure at a time when internal disagreements and factional tensions have become increasingly visible.
Why Abhishek Was Not Removed
Despite criticism from some sections within the party following recent electoral setbacks and organisational challenges, Abhishek Banerjee has retained his position as National General Secretary.
Critics within the party argue that while the reshuffle broadens the leadership structure, it stops short of addressing concerns raised by those who have questioned Abhishek’s role in recent strategic and organisational decisions.
The appointment of Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen alongside him appears to create additional layers of supervision and consultation.
Questions Over North Bengal Representation
Another issue being raised by critics is the apparent lack of representation from North Bengal in the new organisational structure.
Observers point out that among leaders from the region, only Gautam Deb appears to have found a place in the party’s organisational structure so far. None of the key organisational posts announced till now has gone to a prominent North Bengal leader.
Given the region’s growing political importance and its significance in electoral contests between the TMC and the BJP, the limited representation of North Bengal in the top organisational hierarchy has generated discussion within party circles.
Party sources, however, indicate that the current list is only the first phase of appointments and that additional names may be announced in the coming days.
Political Message
The reshuffle appears to send three clear messages:
- Mamata Banerjee remains the undisputed centre of authority within the party.
- The old guard has been brought back into the organisational mainstream to strengthen internal management.
- While Abhishek Banerjee continues to hold a pivotal position, organisational responsibility is now being shared with other senior leaders rather than resting solely with him.
The bigger question now is whether these changes will help Mamata Banerjee hold on to a party that is currently battling serious internal turbulence. Sources said the rebels are not convinced that the reshuffle addresses the deeper organisational and leadership concerns within the TMC.
The coming weeks, particularly any restructuring of the party’s parliamentary wing, will indicate whether this model is extended beyond the state organisation and how it affects the balance of power within the Trinamool Congress.
About the Author
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting…Read More
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