Ranit Kr. Singh , Kolkata - Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has called for organizational unity following a massive exodus of over 100 municipal councillors across West Bengal. The wave of mass resignations and widespread absenteeism among elected representatives comes in the immediate wake of the TMC’s defeat in the recent state assembly elections. Key municipal bodies have been severely destabilized, including Halisahar, where 16 out of 23 councillors stepped down, and Bhatpara, which saw 30 of its 35 councillors resign, including the municipal chairperson. Major exits were also recorded in Garulia, North Barrackpore, Kanchrapara, Diamond Harbour, and Contai—the home turf of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Addressing an emergency party meeting on Monday, the former Bengal Chief Minister urged remaining workers to stand together during these difficult times, while explicitly stating that those unwilling to continue with the organization were free to take their own decisions. Many resigning councillors cited a severe lack of local authority as their primary grievance. Meanwhile, the mass desertions have triggered widespread speculation that state-appointed administrators could soon step in to replace the collapsing elected boards to prevent a total administrative breakdown.

Reacting sharply to the development on Tuesday, state minister and BJP leader Agnimitra Paul criticized the TMC leadership, labeling the absent and resigning councillors as "irresponsible" and accusing them of "neglecting public duties." Paul alleged that the prolonged absence of elected representatives from municipal offices across Bengal has severely disrupted basic civic services and crippled day-to-day local administration, leaving public utility management in jeopardy.