Major reshuffle expected by TMC in 125 municipalities after poor Lok Sabha results; Firhad to remain unaffected

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) may initiate a substantial reshuffle in approximately 125 municipalities across West Bengal, following underwhelming results in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Sources within the party indicate that Abhishek Banerjee, TMC’s National General Secretary, proposed the overhaul after reviewing the party’s performance at the grassroots level. The leadership changes are expected to impact numerous councilors, chairpersons, and local leaders, with the aim of addressing weaknesses and preparing for upcoming electoral challenges.

In the Lok Sabha elections, TMC experienced a shift in voter support in various areas, with BJP emerging ahead in 69 of the state’s municipalities where TMC had previously held strong influence. Kolkata, the state’s capital, saw mixed results: although TMC retained two of its three Lok Sabha seats in the city, it lagged behind BJP in 48 out of 144 wards. This represents a decline from the 2021 municipal polls, where TMC won 137 out of 144 wards, signaling a noticeable shift in some areas.

The restructuring notably excludes Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), led by Mayor Firhad Hakim, despite TMC’s reduced performance in parts of the city during the Lok Sabha polls. Sources confirm that Kolkata is the only municipal body exempted from the reshuffle, leaving Hakim in his current position. The decision to retain Hakim, a senior TMC leader and minority representative, suggests his continued role in managing the city’s municipal affairs while other areas undergo changes.

Party sources have detailed that this reshuffle was initiated after an internal assessment, which highlighted districts and wards with significant voter dissatisfaction and a need for improved local leadership. The leadership changes are likely to focus on municipalities where TMC's performance dropped sharply, as well as on areas that require stronger organizational support to counter BJP’s growing presence.

The finalized list of municipalities and new leadership appointments is expected to be released shortly. TMC’s restructuring aims to address local challenges, strengthen the party’s grassroots structure, and reassert its position before the next state elections.