Operation Crown Prince’ Shakes TMC: Why Did Abhishek Banerjee Rush to Delhi Ahead of Mamata Banerjee?

New Delhi, June 7, 2026: Amid growing concerns of internal unrest within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee arrived in Delhi unexpectedly on Saturday, triggering fresh political speculation. According to party sources, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself asked her nephew to reach the national capital a day earlier than planned to assess the situation before an important meeting scheduled for Monday.

The sudden visit comes at a time when fears of rebellion within the party’s parliamentary wing are intensifying, following recent political turbulence in the West Bengal Assembly.

According to reports, uncertainty remains among TMC leaders regarding Abhishek Banerjee’s engagements in Delhi. A TMC MP, speaking anonymously, reportedly claimed that even senior party members were unaware of the exact reason behind his early arrival or any planned meetings. CID Appearance Adds to Political Significance

The timing of Abhishek Banerjee’s Delhi visit is considered politically significant, as he is scheduled to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday in connection with the alleged fake-signature controversy involving MLAs.

Earlier, Abhishek had reportedly sought additional time citing health concerns, but the investigating agency rejected the request. ‘Operation Crown Prince’ and Internal Revolt

The political crisis escalated after a reported rebellion within the TMC legislative wing in the West Bengal Assembly. Reports suggest that 58 out of 80 TMC MLAs allegedly revolted against Abhishek Banerjee’s growing influence under what has been described as ‘Operation Crown Prince’, reportedly led by expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee.

The rebel faction is said to be seeking recognition as the principal opposition group in the Assembly, raising concerns of a deeper political split within the party.

Fear of Similar Developments in Parliament TMC rebel MLA and newly appointed deputy leader of the legislative wing, Sandipan Saha, claimed that developments similar to those witnessed in the Bengal Assembly could unfold within the party’s parliamentary wing in Delhi as well.

Following the death of MP Haji Nurul Islam, TMC currently has 28 members in the Lok Sabha. Under anti-defection laws, at least 19 MPs (two-thirds of the parliamentary party) would need to support any breakaway faction for it to avoid disqualification. The party also has 13 Rajya Sabha MPs.

Reports indicate that rebel leaders have intensified efforts to contact MPs since Friday night in a bid to mobilize support in both Houses of Parliament.

Meanwhile, senior TMC MP Saugata Roy dismissed claims of the party collapsing, accusing the BJP of attempting to engineer divisions within the parliamentary wing, similar to developments in the Assembly. He expressed confidence that Mamata Banerjee would overcome the crisis.

Leaders close to Mamata Banerjee also argued that reports of rebellion are being exaggerated and maintained that most MPs remain firmly aligned with the party leadership. However, political observers believe the coming days will be crucial for TMC as it faces one of its toughest internal challenges in recent times.

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