Why Are Party Cadres Deserting the TMC? Dutta Casts Doubt on Mamata Banerjee’s Leadership

In the past few weeks, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has seen a noticeable trickle‑down of its own members – from grassroots activists to former ministers – stepping away from the party’s fold. It’s not just the usual political churn; the exits feel almost personal, as if insiders are quietly signaling that something’s amiss at the top.

One name that’s surfacing more often in this chatter is senior leader Somen Dutta. Speaking to reporters outside his Patna‑style tea stall, Dutta didn’t mince words. He asked, rather bluntly, whether Mamata Banerjee, the charismatic chief minister of West Bengal, still possesses the “competence” needed to steer the state through its current challenges.

His comments come on the heels of a series of high‑profile departures. Former transport minister Arijit Gupta, who was once touted as a rising star, quit citing “differences in vision.” A handful of district‑level functionaries have also tendered resignations, pointing to a “lack of internal democracy” and “centralised decision‑making” that leaves little room for dissent.

Critics say the exodus mirrors a broader malaise within the TMC. After a string of electoral setbacks – notably the loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in several key constituencies – party morale appears to be on shaky ground. The recent controversy over the controversial “Vidyut Yojana” power project, which saw accusations of mismanagement and delayed payments to contractors, has further fueled discontent.

For Dutta, the problem is not just the political setbacks but a perceived erosion of leadership qualities. “Mamata ji has always been a fighter, a force of nature,” he reflected, “but when decisions become reactionary, and the party stops listening to its own members, you have to ask if the leader is still the right fit for the times.”

Supporters of the chief minister, however, are quick to defend her. They argue that the recent resignations are part of a natural “rejuvenation” process and that Mamata’s track record – from the Naxalite‑free roads to the launch of the Kolkata Metro Phase‑III – still speaks louder than a handful of disgruntled voices.

Political analysts suggest that the TMC’s internal strife could be a symptom of a larger identity crisis. As the state’s economy grapples with industrial stagnation and the youth unemployment rate climbs, voters are looking for fresh ideas. The party’s long‑standing reliance on Mamata’s charismatic leadership might be hitting its limits.

What’s clear is that the party’s next moves will be watched closely. Will Mamata Banerjee recalibrate her approach, perhaps opening the floor to more internal debate? Or will the exodus continue, eroding the TMC’s once‑unassailable dominance in West Bengal politics? Only time will tell, but for now, Dutta’s pointed question hangs in the air, a reminder that even the most seasoned leaders can’t ignore the murmurs from within.