‘Decision not driven by any personal grievance or resentment’: MP Kakoli Ghosh quits all TMC posts
The Statesman | 28 May 2026
Political tremors have intensified inside the Trinamool Congress (TMC) at a sensitive moment for TMC chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after senior party MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from major organisational responsibilities following the party’s disappointing performance across several Assembly segments in her stronghold. The move has fuelled fresh speculation over unease within the ruling party ranks, especially as the veteran leader openly cited organisational shortcomings, campaign failures, and anti-incumbency concerns while stepping away from crucial positions.
In her resignation letter, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar wrote, “…During my tenure, it has not been possible to stop the inappropriate behaviour of another educated woman MP towards women MPs, nor has adequate cooperation or empathy been received from the higher leadership. Remaining in such a position no longer holds meaning. Over the last decade, several serious allegations and incidents concerning West Bengal and the party have deeply troubled my conscience.”
She said that corruption in ration distribution and teacher recruitment as well as various financial and administrative irregularities have “created deep anger and distrust among ordinary people.”
“In addition, the unnatural death of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and the allegations of evidence tampering surrounding the incident have shaken and distressed society. I have personally felt the moral impact of these incidents very deeply. Similarly, multiple disturbing allegations involving I-PAC (IPAC), including the influence of various individuals and groups, have troubled me continuously. I believe that if opaque and undemocratic influences gradually dominate the organization instead of democratic political culture, it cannot be considered beneficial for the party’s ideals and traditions. I want to state clearly that this decision is not driven by any personal grievance or resentment,” she wrote.
Rather, I am taking this decision out of my moral responsibility toward the party, democracy, and public life. However, I am not leaving the party. As an ordinary worker of the All India Trinamool Congress, I will continue my commitment to stand beside people and work in the interest of Bengal.”
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar’s resignation from all TMC posts is being viewed as one of the strongest signs yet of growing cracks within sections of the party leadership, fuelling questions over whether, after the poll setback, Mamata Banerjee is also beginning to lose her grip on the party.
The political storm deepened after Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar was removed from the post of Chief Whip of the Trinamool Parliamentary Party, with the responsibility being handed to Sreerampur MP Kalyan Banerjee.
Soon after, the senior MP posted a pointed message on social media, stating that after decades of political loyalty beginning in the 1980s, this was the reward she had received. The remark quickly fuelled speculation over tensions within the party leadership.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar also resigned as president of the Barasat organisational district unit of the party, accepting responsibility for the electoral outcome in the region.
Explaining her decision, she said the party’s defeat in five out of seven Assembly segments under the Barasat parliamentary area prompted her to step down on moral grounds. She added that someone more capable should now take over the organisational responsibility.
In a significant public admission, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar questioned the functioning of iPAC, the agency that handled campaign management during the elections.
She claimed the agency lacked practical election experience and alleged that its style of functioning created resentment among grassroots party workers. According to her, the campaign machinery failed to connect with local realities on the ground.
The TMC MP also referred to visible anti-incumbency sentiments in some regions, saying multiple factors together contributed to the party’s electoral losses.
Political speculation intensified further after Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar attended an administrative review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Kalyani in Nadia district.
The meeting, held at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, included officials from North 24 Parganas, Nadia and Hooghly districts. Her presence drew attention because of the timing, coming just days after resigning from important party responsibilities.
According to BJP sources, invitations had been extended to Opposition representatives as part of the Chief Minister’s administrative outreach policy after the formation of the government.
Even so, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar’s participation has added to the political chatter surrounding her future within the Trinamool Congress, especially amid growing questions over internal dissatisfaction following the electoral setback.