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Voices of dissent emerge in Trinamool; leaders blame IPAC, ticket choices
Following the 2026 Assembly election defeat, dissent within the Trinamool Congress surfaces as leaders blame IPAC and ticket selections for the setback. Several figures, including Khageswar Roy, Sourav Chakraborty, Manoj Tiwary, and Kabir Suman, speak out or take actions challenging party decisions and coercion in candidate selection.
Why It Matters
The remarks underscore internal tensions over candidate selection and the role of IPAC, potentially influencing future party strategy and leadership dynamics in West Bengal politics.
Timeline
5 Events
Kabir Suman comments on coercion into contesting for Trinamool
May 6, 2026
Famous Bengali singer Kabir Suman, a former Trinamool MP, told local media that he was not a fan of the party and was coerced into contesting on their ticket.
Manoj Tiwary resigns from the Trinamool, alleging internal corruption and coercion
May 6, 2026
Manoj Tiwary, the former Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, quit the party after the loss, posting 'Paap baap keo chare na' and alleging that Sports Minister Aroop Biswas did not let him work and that he was coerced into contesting the 2021 election as a Trinamool candidate.
Sourav Chakraborty criticizes candidate selection and IPAC role
May 6, 2026
Former Trinamool MLA and district president Sourav Chakraborty criticized the party’s performance, describing the situation as a result of 'bad candidate selection' and stating that 'new people were brought in by the IPAC,' calling for a rethink of the party’s strategy and its relationship with IPAC.
Note on Swapna Barman replacing Roy as Rajganj candidate
May 6, 2026
The article states athlete Swapna Barman replaced Khageswar Roy as the Trinamool candidate from Rajganj for the 2026 election, despite Roy having won in 2021. Roy claimed Barman’s lack of political experience contributed to the seat’s defeat and asserted no local leaders were consulted before the change by the party or IPAC.
Khageswar Roy blames IPAC for defeat and cites ticketing influence
May 6, 2026
Outgoing Rajganj MLA Khageswar Roy told reporters that IPAC dictated candidate selections and ticketing, saying, 'The IPAC played a major role in who got a ticket in the election' and that 'the party and the IPAC together caused this massive defeat.' He noted that Swapna Barman replaced him as the Rajganj candidate and argued the lack of local consultation by the party or IPAC before changing candidates contributed to the loss.