West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is set to hold a crucial meeting with party legislators at her residence as the ruling party grapples with one of its most serious internal challenges in recent years.

The meeting comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing visible dissent from a section of its MLAs, raising concerns over party unity and legislative strength. The gathering is being closely watched as a test of whether Mamata Banerjee can bring disgruntled lawmakers back into the party fold.

Attendance under scrutiny after recent setbacks

The latest meeting assumes significance after an earlier gathering at Mamata Banerjee’s residence reportedly witnessed poor attendance, forcing the session to be called off. Reports suggested that only a fraction of the party’s legislators attended, triggering speculation about growing unrest within the organisation.

The internal turbulence has intensified following claims by a rebel faction that it enjoys the support of a substantial number of TMC legislators. The developments have sparked concerns about the party’s cohesion in the state assembly.

Leadership faces challenge from rebel camp

The rebellion has largely been linked to dissatisfaction among some legislators regarding the party’s leadership structure and decision-making process. While several reports indicate that the anger of dissenting MLAs is directed more towards sections of the party leadership than Mamata Banerjee herself, the crisis has nevertheless emerged as a major challenge for the TMC chief.

Recent developments, including the recognition of a rebel-backed opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly and subsequent legal and political battles, have further highlighted divisions within the party.

Meeting expected to focus on party unity

Party leaders are expected to use the meeting to assess support within the legislative wing, discuss the ongoing political situation and explore ways to restore unity ahead of future political battles in the state.

Political observers believe the outcome of the meeting could provide a clearer picture of whether the Trinamool Congress can contain the rebellion or whether the internal crisis is likely to deepen further in the coming weeks.

India’s T20I setup could be heading towards a significant transition, with reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a change in leadership ahead of upcoming international assignments. Shreyas Iyer has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to take over the captaincy, while current skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s position in the squad is under scrutiny.

The reported move comes despite India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign under Suryakumar’s leadership. However, selectors are believed to be evaluating long-term plans and future leadership options as the team begins preparations for upcoming global events.

Shreyas Iyer emerges as leading candidate

According to reports, the selectors have identified Shreyas Iyer as a strong contender to guide India’s T20 side in the next phase. The middle-order batter has impressed with his leadership credentials in domestic and franchise cricket and is viewed as a dependable option for the future.

The proposed change is reportedly aimed at building a leadership group capable of carrying India through the next T20 World Cup cycle and other major tournaments.

Tilak Varma in line for bigger role

Young batter Tilak Varma is also understood to be part of the board’s long-term plans. Reports indicate that he is being considered for a senior leadership position, including the possibility of serving as vice-captain in the shortest format.

The management is believed to be keen on nurturing a younger core that can provide continuity over the coming years.

Uncertainty over Suryakumar Yadav’s place

While no official announcement has been made, reports suggest that Suryakumar Yadav could face a difficult period in the national setup. His recent batting performances have reportedly become a point of discussion among selectors despite his contributions as captain.

The uncertainty has intensified following recent squad-related developments, sparking speculation about his future role in India’s T20 plans.

Official confirmation awaited

As of now, the BCCI has not issued any formal statement regarding a captaincy change or squad decisions. The final call is expected to become clear when India’s squad for upcoming T20 assignments is announced.

Until then, the reports remain part of ongoing speculation surrounding India’s evolving T20 strategy and leadership structure.

Senior Congress leader and Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from the state cabinet, just days after taking oath in the newly formed government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The resignation follows his reported dissatisfaction with the portfolio allotted to him.

According to reports, Reddy was assigned the Major and Medium Irrigation department during the cabinet portfolio distribution announced on Friday. However, the veteran leader was said to be seeking the Bengaluru Development portfolio, which eventually went to Krishna Byre Gowda.

The development comes at a sensitive time for the new Karnataka government, which was sworn in earlier this week after D.K. Shivakumar took charge as Chief Minister. Portfolio allocation had reportedly been delayed amid intense lobbying for several key departments, including those linked to Bengaluru’s administration and infrastructure.

Reddy cites repeated humiliation

In his resignation, Ramalinga Reddy reportedly expressed strong disappointment with the manner in which the portfolio allocation was handled. He is said to have felt sidelined despite his seniority in the party and flagged what he described as a reversal of earlier assurances.

Reports indicated that meetings were held involving Shivakumar, Reddy and other senior leaders as efforts were made to resolve the issue. However, the discussions did not result in a breakthrough, leading to Reddy’s decision to step down from the ministry.

Early challenge for Shivakumar government

Reddy’s resignation marks one of the first major political challenges for the newly formed Congress government in Karnataka. The cabinet formation process had already drawn attention due to competition for influential portfolios and ongoing efforts to balance various factions within the party.

It remains to be seen whether the Congress leadership will attempt to persuade Reddy to reconsider his decision or move ahead with a cabinet reshuffle to address the vacancy.