Is Mamata’s party disintegrating after losing power? 45 MLAs did not attend the first major protest.

Kolkata: After losing the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is now trying to re-establish itself as the opposition. However, these efforts do not appear to be successful. This became evident on Wednesday when a sit-in protest was held in the Assembly premises.

Many MLAs did not attend the first major protest.
The low attendance of MLAs at the TMC’s first major protest has sparked new discussions in political circles. On Wednesday, TMC MLAs protested near the statue of BR Ambedkar in the Assembly premises against post-election violence and the anti-encroachment drive against hawkers. However, only 35 of the party’s 80 MLAs attended the event. This low attendance has raised questions about possible dissatisfaction and internal conflict within the party.

The TMC is busy gathering political strength.
In fact, this protest came just a day after an important TMC leadership meeting was held in Kalighat, Kolkata. According to sources, several MLAs at this meeting clearly stated that the party’s lost ground would not be regained by merely sitting in closed rooms and strategizing. The leaders suggested that the TMC must once again take to the streets, reach out to the public, and strengthen its political hold through mass movements.

People’s Movements Have Been the TMC’s Identity
It is reported that party chief Mamata Banerjee and National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee were also present at the meeting. Several MLAs expressed concern over the leadership’s attitude after losing the election and said that the party does not appear as aggressive on public issues as it used to be. Some leaders also said that the TMC has always been identified with mass movements and street-based politics, and therefore, the party must return to that style.

The TMC’s political history has also been associated with this movement-oriented image. From the Singur and Nandigram movements to the prolonged street struggles against the Left Front government, the party had built its political strength through mass movements. Consequently, this protest, the first since losing power, was considered crucial for the party. However, the absence of a large number of MLAs at the demonstration raised questions about the party’s unity.

Post-election violence and bulldozer action made an issue
Prominent leaders participating in the protest included Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, Nayana Banerjee, Kunal Ghosh, and Ritabrata Banerjee. Through this protest, the TMC made post-election violence, bulldozer action, and the eviction of hawkers an issue. The party alleges that pressure is being exerted on opposition workers and supporters after the new government came to power, and actions are being taken that impact the employment of the poor.

However, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, a senior leader of the TMC legislative party and considered the party’s choice for the post of Leader of the Opposition, has denied any differences within the party. He said that many MLAs were busy with party workers in areas affected by post-election violence and therefore could not attend the event. He also said that the protest was scheduled with just one day’s notice, making it difficult for MLAs from remote areas to reach on time.

Sovandeb Chattopadhyay said, “Around 35 MLAs were present at today’s event. Many MLAs are working with party workers in areas affected by post-election violence, so they could not attend. The event was scheduled on one day’s notice, making it difficult for MLAs from remote areas to reach.”

But political analysts believe that it’s not just a matter of numbers, but also the political message it sends. It’s not easy for a party that has been in power for a long time to adapt to the role of opposition. When a party like the TMC, which ruled Bengal for 15 years, shows a weak presence at a major protest for the first time, it raises many questions about the party’s current situation.

Despite the meeting, MLAs did not attend
According to analysts, the biggest challenge facing the TMC is rebuilding organizational confidence. It’s natural for the morale of workers and leaders to be affected after an electoral defeat. At such times, it’s the leadership’s responsibility to keep the party united and foster an atmosphere of struggle at the grassroots level.

However, if a feeling develops within the party that the leadership is avoiding taking to the streets on public issues, it could have a negative impact on the organization. According to sources, some MLAs at the Kalighat meeting also expressed the need to move beyond mere political rhetoric and play the role of an aggressive opposition. Many leaders believed that without increased public activism, the party’s comeback would be difficult.

Wednesday’s protest was also considered symbolically significant because it was the TMC’s first organized street action since its ouster from power. However, the low attendance has further fueled discussions about the party’s preparedness as an opposition and its internal situation. It will be interesting to see in the coming days how quickly the TMC is able to establish itself as a fighting opposition party and whether it is able to return to its old agitational style or not.