Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has defended her faction’s claim over Trinamool Bhavan, asserting that the party headquarters remains under a valid lease until 2027, a day after the rebel camp led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee took control of the premises.
Speaking during a Facebook Live session on Saturday, Banerjee rejected the dissident faction’s claim over the office, saying legal documents clearly establish her faction’s right to occupy the property.
Office leased until 2027, says Banerjee
Banerjee, who recently assumed charge as the West Bengal president of the Trinamool Congress following the resignation of Chandrima Bhattacharya, said the office belongs to an institution and not to any individual.
She stated that the party has regularly paid rent and possesses cheque records as proof of payment.
According to Banerjee, the party also spends nearly ₹1 lakh every month on maintenance, electricity charges, taxes and other operational expenses for the office.
Calls for legal resolution
Banerjee said she holds no personal animosity towards anyone but insisted that the dispute should be resolved based on legal agreements rather than political claims.
She maintained that documentary evidence supports her faction’s continued occupation of the party headquarters.
Rebel faction takes control
The remarks came after the rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee, with the support of senior leaders including Firhad Hakim, took control of Trinamool Bhavan on Kolkata’s EM Bypass.
After returning from New Delhi, where they appeared before the Election Commission, members of the faction reportedly held meetings at the office and allegedly padlocked its gates.
The rebel group claimed it had completed the required formalities with the property owners and would now operate from Trinamool Bhavan. It also installed a new All India Trinamool Congress signboard outside the office, naming senior MLA Arup Roy as the party’s chairperson.
Mamata camp lodges police complaint
The Mamata Banerjee faction strongly objected to the takeover, accusing expelled leaders of unlawfully entering the party headquarters.
Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said a formal complaint had been lodged with the police, arguing that expelled members had no authority to occupy the office or conduct party activities from the premises.
Election Commission hearing underway
The dispute follows a hearing before the Election Commission, where the rebel faction sought recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress and laid claim to the party’s name and election symbol.
The poll panel has directed both factions to submit supporting documents and their respective claims by July 6, as the leadership battle within the party enters a crucial phase.
The outcome of the Election Commission’s proceedings is expected to play a significant role in determining control over the party’s organisation and its official identity.
