Kolkata
TMC Faces Fresh Internal Rift After Senior MP’s Resignation
Senior Trinamool Congress leader and Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar stepped down from all organisational responsibilities, citing corruption allegations, the RG Kar controversy, and growing dissatisfaction over the party’s internal functioning and leadership culture.
The political atmosphere within the All India Trinamool Congress intensified after senior MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from all organisational roles in the party while continuing as a Member of Parliament. Her resignation comes at a time when the party is already facing growing internal pressure following recent electoral setbacks.
In her resignation letter addressed to state president Subrata Bakshi, Dastidar expressed concern over corruption allegations linked to recruitment scams, ration distribution irregularities, and administrative misconduct. She stated that these controversies had weakened public trust in the party and deeply disturbed her conscience.
The four-time MP also referred to the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, saying the incident and allegations of attempts to suppress the matter personally affected her. As an alumnus of the institution, she noted that the developments had shaken her faith in the system.
Without directly naming anyone, Dastidar criticised the behaviour of a fellow party MP, reportedly referring to Kalyan Banerjee. She indicated that remaining in a position where disrespect toward women leaders goes unchallenged had become difficult. Political observers linked this remark to her recent removal as the chief whip of the party in Parliament, a role that was later reassigned to Banerjee.
Another significant aspect of her letter was criticism aimed at political consultancy group I-PAC. Dastidar questioned the increasing influence of external strategists in the party’s organisational structure and warned against opaque decision-making practices.
The controversy deepened after Dastidar attended an administrative review meeting led by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kalyani, despite reports that party leadership had advised leaders to stay away. Her presence at the event sparked intense political speculation regarding divisions within the TMC.
Although she clarified that she is not leaving the party and would continue as an ordinary worker, her resignation from all organisational posts is being viewed as a major political signal. Analysts believe the episode highlights growing dissatisfaction within the TMC as it attempts to regroup after electoral setbacks and internal disagreements.