In a notable development in West Bengal politics, senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has invited Mamata Banerjee to rejoin the Congress, along with the remaining Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly associated with her faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Chowdhury has also indicated that the Congress would be willing to accept Banerjee’s leadership in the state.
The proposal comes at a time when the TMC is reportedly facing internal challenges following its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Developments involving its legislative and parliamentary groups have added uncertainty to the party’s organisational position. Against this backdrop, Chowdhury’s statement has brought renewed attention to the relationship between the Congress and the TMC. <Cite refs={["turn806930search2","turn806930search5"]}/>
‘Return to Congress’ Proposal Includes a Leadership Offer
Speaking about the possibility of Banerjee returning to the Congress, Chowdhury said that the party could work under her leadership in West Bengal. He also appealed to the Congress high command to consider facilitating her return.
Chowdhury argued that Banerjee’s political journey began in the Congress and suggested that the two sides should consider coming together rather than continuing as separate political entities. His remarks also referred to the possibility of bringing the remaining TMC MPs and MLAs into the Congress.
However, the invitation was not without a condition. Chowdhury asked Banerjee to return while leaving behind what he described as her political “baggage”. The remark was widely understood as an apparent reference to Abhishek Banerjee, her nephew and a prominent TMC leader. Chowdhury did not present the proposal as a formal merger announcement; it was an appeal made publicly. <Cite refs={["turn806930search0","turn806930search3"]}/>
TMC’s Response: Any Formal Proposal Must Come From Congress Leadership
The proposal has not been accepted by the TMC. Party MP Sougata Roy said that the organisation would consider such a move only if an official proposal came from the Congress leadership. He maintained that the TMC remains a separate political party and continues to be part of the INDIA opposition alliance.
Roy also rejected the suggestion that any decision about the party could be taken without Abhishek Banerjee, underlining his position within the organisation. His response indicates that Chowdhury’s public appeal has not, by itself, initiated any formal process between the two parties. <Cite refs={["turn806930search3","turn806930search5"]}/>
A Relationship Shaped by Political History
Mamata Banerjee began her political career with the Congress before leaving the party in 1998 to establish the Trinamool Congress. The TMC later became a major political force in West Bengal and ended the Left Front’s 34-year rule in 2011.
The political distance between the Congress and the TMC has included disagreements over elections, leadership and seat-sharing arrangements. Chowdhury’s latest appeal therefore marks a significant change in tone, particularly given his earlier public disagreements with Banerjee.
What Happens Next?
For now, the proposal remains a political statement rather than a confirmed development. Any possible return or merger would require decisions by the leadership and relevant members of both parties. The Congress high command’s response, along with the TMC’s internal position, will be important in determining whether the suggestion leads to further discussions.
The episode highlights the changing political equations in West Bengal and raises questions about the future direction of opposition politics in the state. Whether the two parties move towards closer cooperation or maintain their separate identities remains to be seen.
