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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 27, 2025, Kolkata : A wave of speculation is sweeping through Bengal’s political circles as rumours swirl that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee may step down from her position and not be a candidate in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. These reports, fueled by unnamed sources and social media buzz, have ignited a frenzy within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with party leaders and political analysts reacting in varied ways.
Within the TMC, reactions have been mixed. Some party members are startled by the rumours, asserting that Mamata Banerjee is the backbone of the party. “Without Mamata Banerjee, the party would be directionless. She isn’t just the leader; she embodies the party’s ideology and strategic vision,” said one senior party leader, dismissing the rumours as unfounded and motivated by ulterior motives. These insiders strongly believe that speculations about Mamata’s departure are baseless and intended to sow division.
In contrast, the opposition has seized upon the news, accusing the ruling party of internal power struggles. “The so-called unity within the TMC is just a facade. A bitter cold war is being fought over leadership, with factions vying for control. The news is likely being spread by those seeking to undermine Mamata’s influence, in favor of a so-called ‘prince’ of the party,” said an opposition leader, adding fuel to the debate.
Political analysts have raised further questions in light of the growing controversy. “The TMC has always been synonymous with Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. If she were to step aside, who within the party would be able to lead it into the 2026 elections?” they ask. Some speculate that the rumours may be a tactical maneuver within the party to create space for emerging leaders, while others argue that the opposition might be deliberately attempting to destabilize the TMC by spreading confusion.
Despite the intense buzz, there has been no official statement from the Trinamool Congress regarding Mamata Banerjee’s political future. As of now, the party is remaining tight-lipped on the matter, though the speculation shows no signs of slowing down.
With the 2026 assembly elections still some time away, the political landscape in Bengal is already fraught with uncertainty. The swirling rumours and their potential impact on the state’s political scene will likely become clearer in the coming months. But for now, Bengal remains caught in a storm of speculation, leaving the future of its leadership uncertain.