West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sent a strong message to party members amid internal unrest following the Trinamool Congress’ electoral defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying those who wish to leave the party are free to do so.

The remarks come as the TMC grapples with its worst electoral performance in years and growing dissatisfaction within its ranks.

‘Will not stop anyone from leaving’

At a recent internal review meeting with party candidates, Banerjee reportedly told leaders that she would not attempt to hold back anyone planning to exit the party. She emphasised that the organisation would move forward with those who remain committed.

According to party sources, she said she would focus on rebuilding the organisation from the ground up, including restoring party offices and strengthening grassroots-level structures.

Push for rebuilding the organisation

Banerjee also called for detailed, area-wise reports from party workers and directed them to hold meetings at block and town levels to assess the reasons behind the defeat.

She further indicated that the party would undergo internal restructuring, with efforts aimed at reviving organisational strength at the local level.

Fact-finding teams and internal review

As part of the post-poll exercise, the Trinamool Congress has also set up multiple fact-finding teams to examine alleged irregularities in key districts.

These developments highlight growing internal churn within the party as it attempts to recover from its electoral setback and rebuild its support base.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, marking a major development in the long-running dispute over the religious character of the site.

The court said the religious character of the disputed area is that of Bhojshala, which the Hindu side identifies as a Saraswati temple. The Muslim side has historically maintained that the complex functions as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

According to the ruling, the Muslim community may approach the state government for allotment of suitable land within Dhar district for construction of a mosque or prayer site.

The High Court also set aside an Archaeological Survey of India circular issued in 2003 that had permitted Muslims to offer prayers at the site on Fridays.

Long-running dispute over Bhojshala

The Bhojshala complex has remained at the centre of a decades-old dispute involving Hindu and Muslim groups. Hindus consider it a temple dedicated to Vagdevi or Goddess Saraswati and associate it with the era of Raja Bhoj. Muslims have maintained that the site has functioned as the Kamal Maula Mosque for centuries.

The matter gained renewed attention after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered a scientific survey of the site by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2024. The ASI later submitted a detailed report before the court regarding the historical and structural features of the complex.

Earlier this year, the High Court had also conducted a site inspection before continuing hearings in the matter.

Security arrangements have reportedly been tightened in Dhar following the verdict to maintain law and order.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, with a strong focus on energy security, trade expansion, investment and emerging technologies amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The visit starts with a stop in the United Arab Emirates, where Modi is scheduled to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions are expected to centre on long-term energy cooperation, crude oil and LNG supplies, strategic petroleum reserves and regional developments.

According to official statements, India and the UAE are also likely to sign agreements related to LPG and strategic petroleum reserves during the visit. The outreach comes at a time when higher global oil prices and disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict are impacting energy-importing nations, including India.

India considers the UAE one of its key energy partners, with the Gulf nation being a major supplier of crude oil and natural gas. Reports suggest India is also looking to strengthen its strategic oil reserve capacity through deeper cooperation with Abu Dhabi.

After the UAE visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in areas including green transition, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defence, innovation and resilient supply chains.

During the Sweden leg of the tour, Modi is expected to participate in engagements linked to the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Discussions are expected to include AI, green technologies and industrial cooperation.

The Norway visit will include participation in the India-Nordic Summit, where regional cooperation, trade and innovation partnerships are likely to be discussed.

The multi-country visit comes as India navigates volatile global energy markets and broader geopolitical uncertainty stemming from tensions in West Asia. Analysts say the trip is aimed at securing energy supplies while strengthening India’s strategic and economic partnerships with Europe and the Gulf region.