After desertions, Mamata Banerjee formally takes over as TMC state chief

Mamata Banerjee has reassumed leadership of her party amidst an organizational crisis, accusing the BJP of engineering defections through intimidation. She declared her Kolkata residence the party's permanent office, asserting that supporters, not symbols or buildings, define Trinamool's identity. Banerjee vowed to fight political persecution and warned rebels against aligning with the BJP while claiming party affiliation.