Kolkata: Internal tensions within the -led Trinamool Congress have intensified following the party’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with senior leader stepping down as district president of Barasat and publicly raising concerns about the party’s internal functioning. Her resignation came shortly after she was replaced by as the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, a move that reportedly deepened divisions within the organisation. The latest developments have exposed growing dissatisfaction among senior leaders regarding the direction of the party and the influence of external political consultants.

Dastidar has openly criticised the role of I-PAC, the political consultancy associated with party strategist , accusing its members of sidelining long-time grassroots workers and behaving disrespectfully with senior party cadres. She claimed that the consultancy’s involvement weakened the connection between the party leadership and workers at the ground level. In strong remarks aimed at the consultancy’s working style, Dastidar alleged that party workers, who dedicated themselves voluntarily out of loyalty to the party and Mamata Banerjee, were treated poorly and spoken to rudely. Her criticism reflects broader frustration among sections of the party’s old guard who believe experienced workers are being marginalised in favour of politically managed structures.

The crisis further escalated after Dastidar reportedly wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker alleging misogynistic behaviour by Kalyan Banerjee, bringing internal party disputes into the national spotlight. Political observers say the conflict now goes beyond organisational disagreements and highlights a larger power struggle within the Trinamool Congress over leadership, succession and decision-making authority. The divide between loyalists of Mamata Banerjee and supporters of Abhishek Banerjee has increasingly become visible after the election setback, with I-PAC’s continued role emerging as a major point of contention. Despite the growing criticism from senior leaders, the party leadership has largely remained silent, fuelling speculation about deeper instability within the ruling party in West Bengal.