West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The rising political tension following a no-confidence motion against the Jangipur Municipality chairman, Trinamool Congress state president Subrata Bakshi has urgently convened a meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025 at 3 PM. Councillors from Jangipur—16 party-aligned representatives, two town presidents, MLA Zakir Hossain, MP Khalilur Rahman, and municipal minister Firhad Hakim—are expected to attend as the party seeks to defuse the escalating situation. .

The political hiccup at Jangipur stems from internal dissent within TMC, where nine TMC councillors have backed a no-confidence motion against the municipal chairman, Mofizul Islam. This move has disrupted the municipality's functioning and highlighted deep divisions within the party, with even external councillors from the BJP and Congress lending support initially—though one Congress member has since switched allegiance to TMC.

Councillors opposed to Islam argue that council meetings have stalled and essential development work has halted. However, the chairman dismisses these allegations, stating city infrastructure is improving and that the garbage issue is being addressed. The no-confidence push, he claims, originated from political rivalry with the local MLA.

TMC leadership—the state president and others—have stepped in to manage the mess. By calling the July 8 meeting, the party aims to unite key stakeholders and consider withdrawing the no-confidence resolution. They’re expected to craft a consensus resolution plan before the upcoming state assembly elections in 2026.

This intervention signals TMC’s intent to enforce electoral discipline at the municipal level and suppress factional fragmentation, emphasizing cohesion ahead of a critical election year

The agenda likely includes:

• Negotiations to withdraw the no-confidence motion via party consensus.

• Clarification of roles and responsibilities among councillors to ensure continuity in governance.

• Rebound strategies for stalled development initiatives.

• Reinforcement of internal unity, with potential disciplinary measures for dissenting councillors.

Firhad Hakim’s attendance underscores the meeting's seriousness and symbolizes state-level oversight in local governance.

Jangipur is one among many municipalities where TMC norms are being tested through challenges like infighting or neglect. By directly addressing this conflict, TMC hopes to reinforce internal order and remind members that local voices are significant but should align with party solidarity—especially crucial as West Bengal gears up for its next round of state elections in 2026..

Subrata Bakshi’s intervention at Jangipur isn’t just a tactical attempt to quash a no-confidence move—it reflects strategic preparation for state-level electoral challenges. With the meeting set for July 8, expect moves toward reconciling factional rifts and restoring development momentum. Keep an eye on this space: the outcome could set a template for managing intra-party disputes elsewhere in the state.