Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: After All India Trinamool Congress suffered its worst electoral setback in years, party chief Mamata Banerjee on Saturday told leaders unhappy with the situation that they were free to leave, amid internal dissent.At a meeting with the party’s candidates who contested the recent 2026 West Bengal assembly election, held at her Kalighat residence and attended by party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata struck a defiant note despite the crushing defeat, news agency PTI reported.”Those who are leaving for other parties, let them go. I will rebuild the party afresh,” she was quoted as saying by party sources, in a message seen as aimed at quelling speculation of defections after the poll debacle.She asked loyalists to begin restoring damaged party offices across the state and reconnect with workers at the grassroots. “To those who are staying, I say rebuild the damaged party offices, paint them and reopen them. If needed, I too will paint them. Trinamool Congress will never bow down. People’s mandate has been looted,” she said.The remarks come amid growing reports of internal discontent within the TMC after the party was pushed from power to the opposition benches in a dramatic electoral reversal.Of the 294 seats in the assembly, the TMC won just 80. Mamata herself lost from Bhabanipur, long considered her stronghold. The party had contested 291 seats, leaving three in the Darjeeling hills to ally Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha led by Anit Thapa, but only 80 of its candidates emerged victorious.Saturday’s closed-door meeting was called amid signs of unrest among defeated candidates and whispers of leaders switching sides after the loss. Mamata had hinted at such a possibility soon after results were declared.“I know many will leave for other parties. They may have their own compulsions. Whoever wants to go may go. I do not believe in forcibly holding anyone back,” she had said on May 5.The TMC later shared photos of the meeting on X, projecting a show of unity and praising its candidates for what it called a spirited fight despite “atrocities and intimidation” during the election campaign.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Not An Iota Of Truth’: PM Modi Rubbishes Report Of Restriction On Foreign Travel28 Hostages From Kuki, Naga Communities Held By Armed Groups Released In Manipur’I Am Sorry To…’: Shashi Tharoor To Skip VD Satheesan’s Swearing-In As Kerala CMNEET UG 2026 Re-Exam On June 21, Computer-Based Test Format From Next Year: Education MinisterOman To Gujarat: India Fast-Tracks Deep-Sea Gas Pipeline Project Amid Hormuz CrisisCJI Surya Kant Makes Strong Remarks During Senior Advocate HearingKerala CM-Designate Satheesan Hits Back At BJP Over IUML, Secularism DebateFormer RAW Chief Flags Security Risks Over PM Modi’s Convoy DownsizingTMC MP Derek O’Brien Slams Centre After Petrol-Diesel Hike, Targets Modi Government’Bhojshala Complex Is A Temple, Hindus Have Right To Worship’: MP High Court123PhotostoriesKishwer Merchant recalls her father’s reaction to her interfaith marriage and age gap with Suyyash Rai; reacts to her son being trolled for wearing a skull capLauki vs Tori: Which has more nutrition for summer and 5 interesting ways to eat themAncient Kashmiri beauty secrets that are becoming popular again in IndiaFrom transparent bodies to underground lives: 5 bizarre frogs you’ve probably never heard of8 modern TV unit designs to instantly upgrade your living roomPersonality test: Mango, litchi, watermelon? Pick a fruit and see if you are a natural leader, kind, or creativeCannes 2026:Why Sanam Saeed’s Cannes debut is a major moment for Pakistani cinemaHow to grow butterfly-friendly native plants in Indian city home gardensNot just travel: 10 cheapest countries to retire in — 9 and 10 will surprise you5 adorable dog breeds that stay puppy-sized forever123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingNEET UG Re-Exam dateAdmit card indian army agniveer gdIPL Points TablePM ModiKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeWho is Shubham KhairnarIndia UA Trade Talk
NEW DELHI: After All India Trinamool Congress suffered its worst electoral setback in years, party chief Mamata Banerjee on Saturday told leaders unhappy with the situation that they were free to leave, amid internal dissent.At a meeting with the party’s candidates who contested the recent 2026 West Bengal assembly election, held at her Kalighat residence and attended by party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata struck a defiant note despite the crushing defeat, news agency PTI reported.“Those who are leaving for other parties, let them go. I will rebuild the party afresh,” she was quoted as saying by party sources, in a message seen as aimed at quelling speculation of defections after the poll debacle.She asked loyalists to begin restoring damaged party offices across the state and reconnect with workers at the grassroots. “To those who are staying, I say rebuild the damaged party offices, paint them and reopen them. If needed, I too will paint them. Trinamool Congress will never bow down. People’s mandate has been looted,” she said.The remarks come amid growing reports of internal discontent within the TMC after the party was pushed from power to the opposition benches in a dramatic electoral reversal.Of the 294 seats in the assembly, the TMC won just 80. Mamata herself lost from Bhabanipur, long considered her stronghold. The party had contested 291 seats, leaving three in the Darjeeling hills to ally Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha led by Anit Thapa, but only 80 of its candidates emerged victorious.Saturday’s closed-door meeting was called amid signs of unrest among defeated candidates and whispers of leaders switching sides after the loss. Mamata had hinted at such a possibility soon after results were declared.“I know many will leave for other parties. They may have their own compulsions. Whoever wants to go may go. I do not believe in forcibly holding anyone back,” she had said on May 5.The TMC later shared photos of the meeting on X, projecting a show of unity and praising its candidates for what it called a spirited fight despite “atrocities and intimidation” during the election campaign.