The TMC was formed by Mamata Banerjee on 1 January 1998, after she left the Indian National Congress due to internal disagreements. The party started as a regional challenger but soon gained momentum, especially among the rural and urban poor of West Bengal.

TMC rose to power by leading widespread movements against land acquisition policies under the Left government—most notably in Nandigram and Singur. These movements helped the party gain public sympathy and electoral strength, eventually ending the 34-year rule of the Left Front in West Bengal in 2011.

Since then, Mamata Banerjee has led the state as Chief Minister and the party has won consecutive assembly elections in 2016 and 2021, reinforcing its stronghold.

The TMC follows a center-left ideology, focusing on regional pride, social welfare, women empowerment, and secularism. It strongly opposes centralization of power and advocates federal autonomy.

• Mamata Banerjee – Founder and current Chief Minister of West Bengal; known for her strong leadership and grassroots appeal.

• Abhishek Banerjee – National General Secretary of TMC and MP from Diamond Harbour; rising youth leader within the party.

• Derek O’Brien – Senior spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP; known for his role in national debates.

• Firhad Hakim, Partha Chatterjee, and Saugata Roy – Prominent state leaders and ministers.

The party is known for its pro-poor welfare schemes, opposition to divisive politics, and assertive regional voice in national matters.

Under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, TMC has introduced numerous flagship welfare and development programs:

• Kanyashree Prakalpa – Scheme to support girls’ education.

• Duare Sarkar (Government at Doorstep) – Public service delivery at the local level.

• Swathya Sathi – Universal health insurance for West Bengal residents.

• Sabuj Sathi – Bicycles for school children.

• Infrastructure projects like new roads, metro expansion, and digital services in rural Bengal.

The party promotes grassroots governance, women leadership, and regional economic empowerment.

TMC holds a dominant majority in West Bengal and has been expanding its presence in other states like:

• Tripura – Emerging as a key opposition force.

• Goa – Made electoral debut with local outreach.

• Meghalaya and Assam – Building alliances and contesting elections.

• Manipur and Uttar Pradesh – Fielded candidates in selected constituencies.

Though primarily regional, the TMC aspires to become a national alternative, especially in anti-BJP alliances and opposition coalitions.