TMC Suspends Three Spokespersons Amid Internal Revolt After Bengal Election Loss

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The Trinamool Congress suspended three of its spokespersons—Riju Dutta, Kohinoor Majumdar, and Kartik Ghosh—for six years on Saturday for violating party discipline after the party's loss in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The suspensions follow a series of public criticisms and allegations from within the ranks, marking a deepening internal crisis.\n
\nRiju Dutta, a frequent media representative for the party, posted a video apology on X addressing Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and BJP leaders for past 'abusive' remarks, claiming he had acted under pressure and threats from within the TMC. He credited the BJP with providing him protection, prompting the party to summon him before a disciplinary panel, which he failed to attend.\n
\nFormer state Minister of State for Sports Manoj Tiwary alleged that the TMC demanded Rs 5 crore from each candidate for a ticket in the 2026 elections, which he refused to pay. He also criticized senior minister Aroop Biswas for mismanaging sports affairs, referencing last year's controversy during Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata.\n
\nOther leaders, including Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury from Malda and Papiya Ghosh, have openly criticized Abhishek Banerjee's leadership style and access to decision-making. Rabindranath Ghosh, Papiya's father and a senior TMC leader from Cooch Behar, also voiced criticism.\n
\nThe party has initiated disciplinary proceedings against several members, while leaders like Derek O'Brien and Chandrima Bhattacharya have refrained from public comment. The TMC will convene a review meeting next week to assess organizational restructuring in light of the electoral outcome.