The internal crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has deepened further after party MP Saayoni Ghosh reportedly joined the rebel camp that has distanced itself from the Mamata Banerjee-led leadership following the party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Saayoni Ghosh, the MP from Jadavpur and one of the party’s most visible youth leaders, has not officially confirmed the move. However, several reports and sources claimed that she has aligned herself with the group of rebel MPs who are now backing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Her reported switch is being seen as one of the biggest setbacks for Mamata Banerjee since the party’s election loss.
Rebel MPs Back NDA
The rebellion within the TMC first became visible when a group of MPs led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announced support for the NDA. Reports claimed that around 19 to 20 MPs have now distanced themselves from the party leadership.
According to reports, Saayoni Ghosh is among the MPs who have joined the rebel bloc. Reports also claimed that she is currently in New Delhi along with other rebel leaders.
Another TMC MP, Mala Roy, is also reported to have joined the camp.
Meeting With BJP Leader Sparks Speculation
The political speculation intensified after Saayoni Ghosh reportedly met senior BJP leader and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi shortly after joining the rebel faction.
The meeting has triggered fresh discussion over the future political direction of the breakaway group and whether more TMC leaders may shift towards the NDA in the coming days.
A Vocal Mamata Supporter
Saayoni Ghosh was considered one of Mamata Banerjee’s strongest supporters and had emerged as a prominent face of the TMC during election campaigns.
A former Bengali actor, she joined the party ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections and quickly became known for her fiery speeches against the BJP and strong defence of Mamata Banerjee.
During the election campaign, she had publicly praised Mamata Banerjee and projected her as a future national leader.
“If Didi wins, Bengal wins,” she had said during an earlier interview.
Following the TMC’s defeat, Ghosh had alleged that the elections were influenced by “vote stealing” and maintained that the party had not genuinely lost public support.
Controversies Around Saayoni Ghosh
Saayoni Ghosh has frequently been at the centre of political controversies because of her speeches and campaign remarks.
Earlier this year, the BJP criticised her over comments involving former AAP leader Raghav Chadha. She had also drawn attention during election rallies for using the line, “Mere dil mein hai Kaaba, aur mere aankhon mein Madina,” while speaking about communal harmony.
The line later became a major point of political debate online.
TMC Faces Growing Internal Revolt
The crisis within the TMC has widened significantly in recent days. Reports suggest that nearly 58 MLAs out of the party’s 80 legislators in the Assembly have backed senior leader Ritabrata Banerjee, who has now been recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.
The party has also faced resignations from Rajya Sabha MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Sushmita Dev.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over the future of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and whether it may seek closer coordination with the Congress party in the future.
Despite the growing rebellion, some leaders, including actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha and former cricketer Kirti Azad, are reported to have stayed loyal to Mamata Banerjee.
