In a significant reshuffle inside the Trinamool Congress parliamentary team, Mamata Banerjee has reinstated senior MP Kalyan Banerjee as the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, replacing Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. The decision, announced during a crucial meeting with TMC MPs at Kalighat on Thursday, is being viewed as both a reward for Kalyan’s aggressive legal and political role in recent months and a strong signal from the party leadership for unity during a politically turbulent period in West Bengal.
Kalyan Banerjee’s return to the post comes barely nine months after he resigned from the same position in August 2025. At the time, internal tensions within the party — particularly his public sparring with Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra — had triggered speculation over his standing in the leadership circle. Around the same period, TMC also reshuffled its parliamentary structure by replacing Sudip Bandyopadhyay with Abhishek Banerjee as leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, while actor-turned-MP Shatabdi Roy was made deputy leader.
Thursday’s development now marks a dramatic comeback for the Serampore MP.
Interestingly, the decision does not appear linked to the party’s recent electoral performance. In both Serampore and Barasat Lok Sabha segments, the BJP secured leads in five out of seven Assembly seats during the Assembly elections, leaving the Trinamool trailing 5-2 in each constituency. Despite that, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar lost the chief whip’s post while Kalyan regained it, indicating that electoral arithmetic was not the deciding factor.
Although the Trinamool Congress has not officially explained the reshuffle, several party insiders suggested that Mamata Banerjee was impressed by Kalyan’s active role in court battles and politically sensitive legal matters, including recent proceedings before the Calcutta High Court. Many within the party believe his legal interventions and vocal defence of the organisation helped restore his position in the leadership structure.
Another factor being discussed inside the party relates to the political conduct of family members. Sources claimed that Kalyan Banerjee’s son, Shirsanya Banerjee, remained politically engaged even after his electoral defeat from Uttarpara and continued offering strategic and legal suggestions to the party leadership. In contrast, comments made on social media by Kakoli’s son reportedly created discomfort within sections of the organisation.
Party insiders also indicated that Kakoli may have been informed in advance that her influence within the parliamentary setup could be reduced.
During Thursday’s meeting, Mamata Banerjee reportedly praised Kalyan Banerjee’s contributions and urged all MPs to maintain stronger coordination with their constituencies and local organisational units. According to sources, Jaynagar MP Pratima Mondal told the leadership that after the party’s electoral setback, she wanted to visit affected areas but local leaders advised her against doing so for the time being.
The meeting also focused heavily on the political situation in Bengal after the elections. Senior leaders reportedly indicated that discussions are underway with INDIA bloc partners to raise issues related to West Bengal at the national level.
Abhishek Banerjee, sources said, claimed that the party had received reports alleging that individuals dressed in CRPF uniforms were attacking Trinamool workers in certain areas. He urged party members to stay united during what he described as a difficult phase, saying organisational solidarity would help the party overcome the current challenges quickly.
The reshuffle and the messaging from the leadership together underline one thing clearly — the Trinamool Congress is trying to tighten its ranks as political tensions continue to intensify in Bengal.
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