Rebel TMC councillor removed from Siliguri mayor-in-council
The Statesman | 13 May 2026
In a significant development amid growing internal tensions within the ruling Trinamul Congress in north Bengal, rebel councillor has been removed from the mayor-in-council of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation.
Mayor announced the decision shortly after the Assembly election results, in which the Trinamul Congress suffered major setbacks across north Bengal.
Dilip Barman, councillor of Ward No. 46, had been in charge of key departments including trade licence and others.
However, his relations with the Mayor and deputy Mayor had deteriorated in recent months over allegations regarding illegal constructions in the city.
Barman had repeatedly alleged that individuals close to the Mayor were involved in unauthorised construction activities and that no action was being taken despite complaints being raised at board meetings. His public criticism had reportedly caused embarrassment to the ruling party leadership.
Trinamul sources said disciplinary action against Barman had been under consideration even before the elections, but was delayed keeping in mind political sensitivities and the Rajbanshi vote bank in north Bengal.
Following the poll debacle, fresh allegations surfaced within the party that Barman had not actively campaigned for Trinamul candidates in the Matigara-Naxalbari and Siliguri Assembly constituencies. Barman, however, denied the charge and claimed he had worked according to party directions.
Reacting to his removal, Barman alleged that he was targeted for speaking out against corruption and irregularities within the civic body.
“I will continue to work as a councillor. After his electoral defeat, Gautam Deb has no moral right to continue as mayor,” Barman said.
The development is being viewed as another sign of deepening factionalism within the Trinamul Congress in Siliguri following the party’s poor performance in the Assembly elections.