Adhikari, who famously defected from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the BJP ahead of the 2021 elections and defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Nandigram constituency, was chosen as Chief Minister after the BJP’s sweeping win in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. His appointment marked the end of Mamata’s 15-year dominance over Bengal’s politics and the beginning of what the BJP is calling a “new era of development and accountability.”

Key Policy Reversals

Among the most significant reversals is the review of the state’s Duare Sarkar (Government at Your Doorstep) programme, which was a cornerstone of Mamata’s welfare delivery model. Adhikari has ordered an audit of the scheme, alleging widespread irregularities and fake beneficiaries. “Public money was being looted under the guise of welfare,” Adhikari told reporters. “Every rupee spent by the previous government will be accounted for.”

The new government has also moved to restructure the state’s education and employment policies. The controversial school recruitment process, which was mired in allegations of corruption and resulted in multiple court cases and arrests, is being overhauled. Adhikari has promised fresh recruitment examinations conducted through transparent, centralised systems.

Other reversals include changes to the state’s approach to political rallies and public gatherings, the renaming of government schemes launched under TMC branding, and the review of land allotments and contracts awarded during the previous government’s tenure. The BJP government has also signalled a harder line on law and order, with the Home Department issuing directives to police to crack down on political violence and syndicate-raj — the extortion networks that plagued parts of the state.

Mamata’s Response

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, has hit back sharply at what she calls “vendetta politics.” In a press conference on June 9, she accused the BJP government of “dismantling welfare programmes that benefited millions of poor Bengalis” and warned of mass protests if development schemes are scrapped without adequate alternatives.

“The people of Bengal gave them a mandate to govern, not to destroy,” Mamata said. “Every scheme we launched — Kanyashree, Sabuj Sathi, Duare Sarkar — was designed to help the poorest of the poor. If they touch these schemes, the people will rise.”

The TMC, which has been weakened by the defection of 20 of its MPs to the NDA last week, is struggling to mount an effective opposition. However, political analysts note that Mamata’s personal popularity remains significant, and the BJP government risks a backlash if policy reversals are seen as hurting welfare delivery rather than improving accountability.

The Adhikari Factor

Shubhendu Adhikari’s rise to the Chief Minister’s chair is itself a remarkable political story. The son of veteran TMC leader Sisir Adhikari, Shubhendu was once among Mamata’s closest lieutenants before a dramatic falling-out in late 2020. His defection to the BJP, which he attributed to the TMC’s “corruption, dynasty politics, and appeasement policies,” was seen as a major blow to Mamata’s electoral prospects in 2021.

Though the BJP lost the 2021 election despite Adhikari’s contribution, the party steadily built its base in Bengal over the next five years. The 2026 election saw a combination of anti-incumbency, organisational expansion, and the consolidation of Hindu votes deliver a decisive majority for the BJP, with Adhikari emerging as the consensus choice for CM thanks to his grassroots connect and aggressive political style.

Challenges Ahead

Governing West Bengal will not be easy. The state faces significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, a struggling manufacturing sector, and fiscal constraints. The TMC government’s welfare spending, while popular, has been criticised for straining state finances. Adhikari will need to balance fiscal discipline with welfare delivery — a challenge that has tripped up many state governments.

The political situation is also volatile. West Bengal has a history of political violence, and the transition from TMC to BJP rule has already seen reports of tensions in several districts. Adhikari has promised “zero tolerance for violence” but will need to ensure that his security apparatus does not become a tool for political retribution.

Also Read

• Mamata Banerjee Loses Bhabanipur Seat to Suvendu Adhikari by 15,105 Votes as BJP Ends TMC’s 15-Year Rule in West Bengal
• West Bengal Election Results 2026: BJP Storms to Historic Victory as Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Faces Shock Defeat After 15 Years in Power
• West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 Phase 2: Over 142 Constituencies Vote as Mamata Banerjee Faces Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur Showdown
• Narendra Modi Creates History: Becomes India’s Longest-Serving Elected PM

For now, Bengal watches and waits. The first 100 days of the Adhikari government will be critical in setting the tone — and determining whether the new CM can deliver on his promise of transformation without repeating the mistakes of the regime he replaced.

The post New West Bengal CM Shubhendu Adhikari Begins Reversing Mamata Banerjee’s Key Policies — BJP Government’s First Major Moves appeared first on Daily Tips.

The Dramatic Day in Delhi

While Mamata Banerjee sat alongside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and leaders from 25 opposition parties at the INDIA bloc meeting, discussing strategies to counter the BJP-led government, a group of TMC MPs were holding their own closed-door meeting at the residence of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, barely a kilometre away.

The rebellion was led by veteran leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who had served as TMC’s Rajya Sabha chief whip for 13 years. Ray resigned from the party, filed his formal letter of resignation, and walked out — taking with him at least 11 MPs who attended the meeting with BJP leadership on the day. Reports indicate that the total number of TMC parliamentarians ready to switch allegiance could be as high as 20, representing over 70 percent of the party’s Lok Sabha strength.

“We are forming a separate bloc in Parliament. We will support the NDA,” Ray declared outside the meeting. “We are the real Trinamool — the party that Mamata Banerjee founded with democratic principles has been reduced to a family enterprise.”

Roots of the Rebellion

The TMC split did not happen overnight. It is the culmination of months of simmering discontent within the party over several issues that have eroded the morale of rank-and-file leaders and parliamentarians.

At the centre of the rebellion is the growing dominance of Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, in party affairs. Several senior leaders have privately expressed frustration at being sidelined in favour of younger leaders perceived to be part of the “family circle.” The organisational restructuring carried out by Abhishek in 2025 alienated several veteran leaders who found their influence diminished.

The TMC’s performance in recent by-elections, declining vote share in several parliamentary constituencies, and allegations of corruption involving party functionaries have also contributed to the growing disillusionment. Additionally, the party’s handling of the RG Kar Medical College controversy and its aftermath left many leaders uncomfortable with the leadership’s response.

INDIA Bloc Meeting — A Study in Contrasts

The timing of the split could not have been more damaging for the opposition’s optics. The INDIA bloc meeting, attended by representatives of 25 parties, was meant to project unity against the BJP government on issues ranging from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, CBSE and NEET examination controversies, to economic concerns and constitutional questions.

Congress president Kharge used the meeting to demand the resignation of the Education Minister over NEET irregularities and announced that the INDIA bloc would write to the Chief Justice of India regarding allegations that crores of voter names were deleted during the SIR process.

However, the news of the TMC split overshadowed virtually every other agenda item. Political commentators noted that the development struck at the heart of the INDIA bloc’s credibility, raising questions about whether the alliance can function as a coherent opposition force if its constituent parties are themselves fracturing.

Mamata’s Response

Mamata Banerjee, who was reportedly blindsided by the scale of the rebellion, maintained a stoic public demeanour at the INDIA bloc meeting. However, sources close to the TMC leadership said the Chief Minister was “furious” and had initiated calls to individual MPs to gauge the extent of the damage.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed the rebels as “opportunists and BJP agents” who had been planning their exit for months. “These individuals were already in touch with the BJP. Their departure cleanses the party. TMC’s strength comes from the people of Bengal, not from a handful of turncoats,” Ghosh said.

However, the numbers tell a different story. If 20 of TMC’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs and its Rajya Sabha members defect, the party’s parliamentary strength would be decimated. The rebels claim they represent the “real Trinamool” and may seek legal recognition as a separate group, potentially triggering disputes over party symbols and legislative standing.

BJP’s Calculus

For the BJP, the TMC split represents a significant strategic gain. The ruling party, which has been steadily expanding its footprint in West Bengal, now stands to benefit from the organizational chaos within its primary rival in the state.

BJP sources indicated that the rebel TMC MPs would formally join the party in the coming weeks, though the process of integration would be handled carefully to avoid alienating existing BJP leaders in Bengal who have fought against TMC for years.

“This is a natural homecoming for leaders who believe in development, good governance, and nationalism,” said a senior BJP leader. “Mamata Banerjee’s authoritarian leadership style and the pervasive corruption in Bengal made this inevitable.”

Implications for Bengal Politics

The TMC split has profound implications for West Bengal’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. With a significantly weakened parliamentary presence, TMC’s ability to project itself as a national force is severely compromised. More critically, the defection of senior leaders could trigger a domino effect at the state level, where MLAs and local leaders may reassess their political allegiances.

Political analyst Partha Chatterjee (not to be confused with the arrested TMC leader of the same name) observed, “This is the most serious challenge Mamata Banerjee has faced since she founded the TMC. The party’s identity is inseparable from hers, but if the organizational structure collapses, even her personal popularity may not be enough to hold things together.”

Also Read

• Mamata Banerjee Loses Bhabanipur Seat to Suvendu Adhikari by 15,105 Votes as BJP Ends TMC’s 15-Year Rule in West Bengal
• West Bengal Election Results 2026: BJP Storms to Historic Victory as Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Faces Shock Defeat After 15 Years in Power
• West Bengal Governor Dissolves State Assembly After Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Resign as BJP Prepares to Form Government
• India Tears Into Pakistan at UN Security Council

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the TMC split is a fatal blow to the party or whether Mamata Banerjee, a politician known for her resilience and ability to fight back from adversity, can once again defy the odds and rebuild. For now, however, the political landscape of India’s opposition has been irrevocably altered.

The post TMC Split: 20 Trinamool MPs Break Ranks with Mamata Banerjee, Signal Support for NDA — Party Faces Existential Crisis appeared first on Daily Tips.

However, the gathering has been overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of two significant allies: the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a ruling party in Tamil Nadu, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has faced its own political turbulence. Their decision to skip the meeting has raised fresh questions about the cohesion of India’s largest opposition formation.

Who Is Attending

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh confirmed the attendance of 23 parties in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “23 political parties have confirmed participation in the INDIA janbandhan meeting at Constitution Club, New Delhi on Monday June 8, 2026, at 12 noon,” Ramesh said. “Like India, the INDIA janbandhan continues to stand united through its diversity.”

Among the senior leaders expected to attend are Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee (who left for Delhi on Sunday), Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who is expected to join via video conferencing, according to party spokesperson Sanjay Raut.

Abhishek Banerjee of the TMC is also expected to attend, along with representatives from the CPI(M), CPI, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, among others.

Why DMK and AAP Are Absent

The DMK’s absence is particularly significant given that it is one of the INDIA bloc’s strongest regional partners, governing Tamil Nadu with a comfortable majority. While party sources did not provide a detailed explanation, political analysts note that the DMK has historically maintained a degree of independence from Congress-led formations and may be recalibrating its position following recent electoral dynamics in southern India.

The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is also unlikely to attend. The party has been focused on its own legal and political challenges and has distanced itself from several INDIA bloc decisions in recent months. The absence of both parties suggests that the alliance, formed in 2023 to challenge the BJP’s dominance, continues to struggle with the fundamental challenge of keeping all its constituents aligned.

CPI(M) Attends Despite Tensions with Congress

Adding to the internal friction, the CPI(M) — which is attending the meeting — has publicly expressed displeasure with Congress. General Secretary M.A. Baby wrote to Kharge seeking clarification over repeated allegations by Congress leaders that the CPI(M) had an understanding with the BJP during the Kerala assembly election campaign. Baby warned that such remarks could “weaken the trust and unity within the opposition alliance.”

Despite the tensions, the party decided to participate and will be represented by Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas. The decision suggests that the CPI(M) wants to remain within the alliance framework while simultaneously pressing for a resolution to its grievances with Congress.

The internal dynamics of India’s political landscape have been turbulent, with developments such as the BJP’s cabinet expansion in West Bengal under Suvendu Adhikari shifting the balance of power and putting additional pressure on the opposition to present a credible alternative.

Key Agenda Items

While the formal agenda has not been publicly announced, sources within the alliance say the meeting is expected to cover several critical issues:

Electoral strategy for upcoming state elections — Multiple states go to polls in the next 18 months, and the bloc needs a coordinated approach to seat sharing and campaign strategy.

The 2029 Lok Sabha roadmap — With just three years until the next general election, the alliance must begin laying the groundwork for its challenge to the BJP.

Response to government policies — Including the economic impact of the rising cost of living driven by factors such as LPG price hikes, the handling of the NEET controversy, and India’s foreign policy direction amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Internal cohesion — Addressing the trust deficit highlighted by the CPI(M)’s letter and managing the expectations of smaller alliance partners who feel sidelined by Congress.

The Bigger Picture

The INDIA bloc was formed in June 2023 as a grand opposition alliance to challenge the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the alliance performed better than expected in some states, it failed to dislodge the BJP-led NDA from power. Since then, the alliance has faced a series of setbacks, including electoral losses in state elections and a gradual weakening of inter-party coordination.

Political changes across the country — including the recent Karnataka cabinet crisis resolved by DK Shivakumar — have demonstrated that even within Congress-governed states, managing factional politics remains a significant challenge. The ability of the INDIA bloc to function as a disciplined, nationwide opposition will depend on whether leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav can bridge ideological and strategic differences.

Monday’s meeting is being seen as a litmus test. If the bloc can emerge with a clear, unified message and a concrete action plan, it will signal that the alliance remains a viable political force. If the differences remain unresolved, it may accelerate the fragmentation that the BJP has consistently sought to exploit.

The post INDIA Bloc Meets in Delhi Today — 23 Opposition Parties Gather at Constitution Club as DMK and AAP Skip Crucial Strategy Session appeared first on Daily Tips.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee led a massive sit-in protest on Monday at Rani Rashmoni Avenue in Esplanade, Kolkata, over what her party describes as an orchestrated campaign of post-poll violence and targeted attacks on TMC leaders by BJP-affiliated groups in the state.

The demonstration, which drew thousands of TMC supporters from across West Bengal, proceeded despite reports that police had not granted formal permission for the gathering. Banerjee arrived at the protest site around noon and vowed to continue the sit-in “until the central government acts against those responsible for political violence in Bengal.”

What Triggered the Protest

The immediate trigger was the alleged attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee — the Chief Minister’s nephew and the party’s most prominent young leader — during his visit to Sonarpur on 30 May. Banerjee had gone to meet families affected by post-poll violence when he was allegedly attacked with stones and eggs by a group of locals. He sustained minor injuries in the incident.

Five persons have been arrested and two detained by police in connection with the Sonarpur attack. TMC alleges that the attackers were instigated by BJP operatives, a charge the BJP has denied, calling it “political drama” staged by TMC to divert attention from its own governance failures.

The Sonarpur incident was followed by a separate attack on TMC Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee, who was reportedly heckled and manhandled during a public event. TMC workers subsequently staged protests across parts of West Bengal over the weekend, setting the stage for Monday’s mega demonstration led by the Chief Minister herself.

Mamata’s Message and Demands

Speaking to supporters at Esplanade, Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government and the Governor of West Bengal of creating a “climate of violence” aimed at destabilising the elected state government. “They couldn’t defeat TMC at the ballot box, so now they’re trying to intimidate us through street violence,” she told the crowd.

Her specific demands include: an impartial investigation by a sitting High Court judge into the attacks on TMC leaders; action against what she called “BJP goon squads” operating with impunity in certain districts; and the recall of the current West Bengal Governor, whom TMC accuses of functioning as a “BJP agent” rather than a constitutional authority.

Banerjee also used the platform to address the internal challenges her party has been facing. Reports in recent weeks suggested that as many as 60 of TMC’s 80 MLAs skipped a critical party meeting, raising questions about dissent within the ranks. On Monday, the Chief Minister’s ability to mobilise a massive crowd appeared to be a pointed response to those narratives.

The Political Context

West Bengal has been a tinderbox of political tensions since the 2024 general elections, where BJP made significant inroads in the state. The party won 18 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal — its best-ever performance in the state — emboldening its cadre and creating friction with TMC’s traditional dominance.

Post-poll violence has been a recurring feature of West Bengal politics, with accusations flowing in both directions. Following the 2021 state assembly elections that Mamata won decisively, the BJP accused TMC of orchestrating violence against its supporters. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sent a fact-finding team and produced a report detailing alleged atrocities. TMC dismissed the NHRC findings as politically motivated.

The current round of violence, however, has a different character. TMC claims that its leaders are being targeted specifically to create a narrative of lawlessness in West Bengal, which can then be used to justify central intervention or President’s Rule — a scenario that opposition parties in several states have warned about.

BJP’s Counter-Narrative

The BJP has dismissed Mamata’s protest as “political theatre” designed to distract from TMC’s internal problems and governance failures. Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar told reporters: “Mamata Banerjee is protesting against violence that her own party cadre has perpetrated for decades. This is the height of hypocrisy.”

Governor CV Ananda Bose, who has had a consistently adversarial relationship with the TMC government, issued a statement calling on all parties to “maintain peace and respect democratic institutions.” TMC immediately rejected the statement, with party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh calling it “interference from an unelected office that has no business commenting on democratic protests.”

BJP’s central leadership, meanwhile, has used the Bengal situation to reinforce its national narrative about “lawless opposition-ruled states.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the central government was “monitoring the situation closely” and would “not hesitate to act if the constitutional machinery breaks down.”

Impact on Bengal Politics

The protest is likely to have significant implications for West Bengal’s political landscape. For Mamata, successfully mobilising a large crowd demonstrates that her hold over the party and its base remains strong despite the reported MLA dissent. It also allows her to frame the narrative as TMC versus BJP’s central machinery, rather than addressing internal party fissures.

For the BJP, the challenge is to maintain its momentum in Bengal without overplaying its hand. Heavy-handed central intervention could backfire by uniting Bengali sentiment behind Mamata, who has historically thrived in the role of a fighter taking on powerful forces.

Political analysts note that the 2026 municipal elections in West Bengal are approaching, and both parties are positioning themselves for what could be a crucial test of strength. The violence and protests are as much about controlling the narrative ahead of those elections as they are about the specific incidents themselves.

What Happens Next

The sit-in protest is expected to continue through Tuesday, with TMC announcing that party leaders from all 294 assembly constituencies will participate in rotation. The party has also called for a statewide “bandh” (general strike) if its demands are not met within a week — a move that could significantly escalate tensions.

Legal challenges are also likely. TMC has announced it will move the Calcutta High Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the attacks on its leaders. The BJP is expected to counter-file, demanding investigation into TMC’s own alleged violence against opposition workers.

For ordinary citizens of West Bengal, the spiral of political violence and protest is a depressingly familiar pattern. As one Kolkata shopkeeper near the Esplanade protest site told news cameras: “Every few years, someone is protesting here. The party changes, the slogans change, but the common man’s problems remain the same.”

The post Mamata Banerjee Leads Massive Sit-In Protest in Kolkata Over Post-Poll Violence and Attacks on TMC Leaders appeared first on Daily Tips.