Adhir Ranjan out: Congress to reshape party in Bengal, re-evaluate ties with TMC

With the resignation of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a known vocal critic of both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal, as the Congress chief of the state, the AICC is looking to bridge the differences with Mamata Banerjee-led TMC as part of its effort to rebuild the organizational setup from the grassroots.

The decision to renew its ties with the TMC could mean that the Congress would benefit from its bond with the state ruling party, which is also a member of the INDIA bloc at a larger level, ahead of the anticipated 2026 Assembly elections, The Indian Express reported.

Chowdhury's resignation marks a significant turning point for the West Bengal Congress, which has been grappling with electoral setbacks and internal strife. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) is now tasked with reshaping the party's approach in the state, which involves establishing a new organizational framework and creating a strategic roadmap for the upcoming elections.

A critical meeting on Monday saw 21 leaders from the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) convene with AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal in New Delhi. This meeting brought together key figures from the state, including former leaders such as Chowdhury and Pradip Bhattacharya, and the party’s lone Lok Sabha MP from the state, Isha Khan Choudhury, TIE reports.

The focus of the meeting was clear: rejuvenate the party's structure from the grassroots level upwards. Leaders emphasized the need for the AICC to establish new committees across various administrative levels, from the block to the district, and to incorporate fresh faces into the party. This grassroots revitalization is seen as essential for strengthening the party’s presence and effectiveness in West Bengal.

The departure of Chowdhury, who had been a staunch opponent of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Mamata Banerjee's leadership, opened up new possibilities for the Congress’s political stance.

Previously, under Chowdhury’s leadership, the state Congress maintained a firm opposition to the TMC, even as both parties participated in the broader INDIA alliance at the national level. With Chowdhury stepping aside, the AICC will need to reconsider its position regarding the TMC and explore potential shifts in its alliances and strategy.

The search for Chowdhury’s successor presents its own set of challenges. The state Congress faces the task of finding a leader who can fill the void left by Chowdhury, who had been a persistent figure in opposing both the TMC and the BJP. His leadership was marked by a firm stance against the TMC, and finding a replacement who can maintain or surpass his level of dedication and resistance will be crucial.

The AICC Bengal in-charge, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, indicated that the discussions were centred on devising a comprehensive roadmap for the party in West Bengal. This plan will include not only the restructuring of the party but also strategies to address the political and administrative challenges currently facing the Congress in the state.

Dasmunsi, a vocal critic of the TMC and an AICC general secretary, underscored the complexity of the political landscape in West Bengal. He highlighted the need for a gradual and strategic approach to rebuilding the party's organization. With the Congress currently holding minimal legislative representation in the state, the focus is on laying a strong foundation for future electoral success.

Amitava Chakraborty, another AICC member, stressed the importance of rebuilding the party’s organization from the ground up. He noted that the focus should be on re-establishing a robust organizational presence before delving into potential alliances or strategic adjustments.

The internal debate about whether to reassess the party’s stance on the TMC continues, particularly given the complexities of being part of the national INDIA alliance while opposing the TMC at the state level.

Chowdhury's tenure as the state president was marked by his unwavering stance against the TMC, even amidst national pressures and electoral challenges. His departure, however, has set the stage for a pivotal transformation within the West Bengal Congress.