Ritabrata Camp Says Mamata Welcome at July 21 Martyrs' Day Rally as Guide

The internal battle for control of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Monday as the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee said party founder Mamata Banerjee could attend its July 21 Martyrs' Day rally in an advisory role, even as it clarified that no formal invitation has yet been discussed.

Speaking during an inspection of preparations at the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road , Ritabrata Banerjee said there would be no objection if Mamata Banerjee wished to provide guidance as a margdarshak (guide). However, newly elected faction chairperson Arup Roy stated that the leadership had not taken any decision on formally inviting her.

The rebel camp reviewed arrangements for the annual programme after being denied permission to hold the event at its traditional venue in Dharmatala . The faction subsequently secured police approval to organise the rally near the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road. Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led camp has moved the Calcutta High Court over the venue issue and is yet to announce its final plans.

Rebel leaders maintained that they represent the "real" TMC and said the programme would be organised on behalf of the party rather than any faction. However, senior leaders aligned with Mamata Banerjee rejected claims of a split. Chandrima Bhattacharya asserted that there is only one TMC, while Kunal Ghosh said the legacy of July 21 is inseparable from Mamata Banerjee's political journey and sacrifice.

The dispute has widened significantly since the Assembly election. The rebel camp claims support from around 65 of the party's 80 MLAs and says it has strengthened its organisational base by removing Mamata Banerjee as party chairperson, electing Arup Roy to the post and forming parallel state and district committees. The faction has also approached the Election Commission seeking recognition as the official TMC.

According to the rebels, around 20 of the party's 28 Lok Sabha MPs have also broken away and aligned with the NDA through a merger with the NCPI, claims disputed by Mamata's camp.

This year's July 21 Martyrs' Day observance, commemorating the 1993 police firing in which 13 people were killed, has therefore become far more than an annual tribute. With rival camps preparing separate programmes for the first time since the TMC's formation in 1998 , the event has emerged as a crucial test of political strength, organisational control and the future legacy of the party.