Didi Back on the Streets: Can Mamata Banerjee Save TMC With Her Old Political Style?

The political landscape of West Bengal has changed dramatically following the shift in power, placing Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee in one of the toughest phases of her political career. Known popularly as “Didi,” Mamata has once again turned to street politics — a strategy that once helped her overthrow the 34-year-old Left Front government through the Singur and Nandigram movements.

However, after ruling the state for over a decade, Mamata now finds herself fighting not only to rebuild her political base but also to prevent her party from collapsing amid mounting challenges.

TMC Faces Crisis After Losing Power Since being removed from power, Mamata Banerjee has faced increasing political pressure. The situation in West Bengal is no longer limited to opposition attacks from rivals. TMC is also dealing with internal rebellion, with reports of dissatisfaction among several lawmakers and party members.

The political atmosphere in Bengal has reportedly become more tense and violent following the change in government. Alleged attacks on senior TMC leaders, including MP Abhishek Banerjee and Kalyan Banerjee, have affected party morale and raised concerns within the leadership.

Mamata has accused the new administration of targeting TMC workers. According to her claims, thousands of party offices have been vandalized, many workers arrested, and several legislators allegedly intimidated.

Mamata Returns to Protest Politics In response to the alleged attacks on TMC leaders and workers, Mamata Banerjee has decided to return to direct political protests. She reportedly sought permission to hold a sit-in protest at Rani Rashmoni Road in Kolkata, but authorities denied approval.

Despite the denial, Mamata has remained firm on continuing demonstrations and has announced plans to protest from Kolkata to Delhi if necessary. Her strategy appears focused on using mass movements and street mobilization to revive political momentum and strengthen her party’s position.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping TMC United One of Mamata Banerjee’s biggest concerns is preventing the fragmentation of the TMC. Reports suggest that many party leaders have grown uneasy after losing power, fearing political uncertainty and personal risks.

Questions over party unity became more visible when several MLAs reportedly skipped a party meeting called by Mamata. At the same time, disciplinary action against some party legislators has highlighted growing tensions within the organization.

Mamata has repeatedly accused the BJP of trying to weaken TMC through political pressure and inducements, insisting that the party will emerge stronger despite the challenges.

Public Discontent and Internal Divisions Political observers believe that dissatisfaction among sections of the urban middle class and youth contributed to TMC’s electoral setback. Issues such as unemployment, allegations of syndicate politics, and governance concerns reportedly weakened support in urban areas.

At the same time, internal factionalism has intensified. The long-standing divide between TMC’s “old guard” and younger leaders aligned with Abhishek Banerjee has become more visible after the loss of power, adding to Mamata’s political worries. Mamata’s Personal Popularity Remains Key

Despite the crisis, Mamata Banerjee remains one of India’s most resilient political leaders. Analysts argue that TMC’s identity remains closely tied to her personal image and leadership.

Her strongest political weapon continues to be her ability to connect directly with the public. By projecting herself as the “daughter of Bengal” and portraying political developments as an attack on Bengali identity, Mamata has historically managed to rally support during difficult periods.

Whether TMC survives or weakens further may largely depend on how effectively Mamata Banerjee can use her street politics, personal charisma, and organizational rebuilding to counter growing challenges.

For now, Mamata Banerjee appears determined to return to the streets — the very place where her political rise first began.

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