TMC Suspends Santanu Sen and Arabul Islam for Alleged Anti-Party Activities

Kolkata: In a political development of sorts, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee has suspended former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Santanu Sen and ex-MLA Arabul Islam from the party for indulging in “anti-party activities”. The TMC state vice-president Jayprakash Majumdar announced this on Friday, signalling a firm stand by the party leadership to discipline its members ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

Allegations Against Santanu Sen .

The doctor and a former close confidant of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was sacked as party spokesperson in August, after vocalizing his views against alleged mismanagement at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and its “threat culture” principal at the time, Sandip Ghosh.

Sen’s vocal stance on the police investigation into the rape and murder of a medical student at RG Kar College further fueled internal discord. His comments reportedly caused significant unease within the party ranks.

Reacting to suspension, Sen stated, “I have not received any official communication from the party regarding my suspension. I have always been a loyal soldier of the TMC and have stood by the party during challenging times. I fail to understand the logic behind this decision.

Arabul Islam is a TMC leader from the Bhangore area on Kolkata’s outskirts, who has made controversy his identity. His public spat with MLA and fellow TMC leader Saukat Mollah has brought criticism and embarrassment for the party’s leadership. A known aggressive style of politics, Islam’s actions often put the TMC in an awkward position.

It again reflects a broad effort by TMC leadership that is ensuring it has internal discipline ahead of those crucial assembly elections in 2026. Already in November, Mamata Banerjee has established several disciplinary committees and sent stern warnings against party leaders in this aspect- stepping out of line on very important issues of the day.

Two of the senior-most leaders suspended-the suspension of which Mamata Banerjee maintains is a way to keep her party in proper order and to prepare for election challenges. She’s also sending the message to members that they are not to engage in activities against the party or actions that will degrade the party’s image.

This is yet another instance of the TMC’s no-tolerance policy toward dissent and infighting, as the party gears up to retain its political stronghold in West Bengal amidst opposition scrutiny.