Rehana Khatoon vs Zaid Anwar dominates political discussions in West Bengal as protests erupt outside the Kolkata Congress headquarters over the proposed induction of former TMC councillor Rehana Khatoon, exposing deep factional divisions within the state Congress.
Street protests, egg-throwing and open rebellion expose deep divisions inside the West Bengal Congress as rival camps clash over the proposed induction of Rehana Khatoon former TMC councillor Rehana Khatoon.
By Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | July 4, 2026
Rehana Khatoon vs Zaid Anwar has emerged as the latest flashpoint exposing widening cracks within the West Bengal Congress after fierce protests erupted outside the party’s state headquarters, Bidhan Bhavan, over the proposed induction of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Rehana Khatoon. What was expected to be a routine organisational decision quickly spiralled into an open display of factional rivalry, with party workers engaging in slogan-shouting, scuffles and egg-throwing, leaving the Congress leadership grappling with one of its most serious internal crises in recent times.
The Rehana Khatoon vs Zaid Anwar confrontation has evolved beyond a disagreement over a single political induction. It now reflects a broader battle over leadership, organisational authority and political strategy within the state Congress. The dramatic scenes outside Bidhan Bhavan have highlighted the difficult balancing act the party faces as it seeks to strengthen its organisation while accommodating influential leaders from rival political parties.
Opposition to Rehana Khatoon‘s Entry Intensifies
A section of Congress workers from the Zakira Street area has mounted strong opposition to Rehana Khatoon’s proposed induction, arguing that her political journey raises serious concerns about ideological commitment and organisational integrity.
According to local Congress leaders, Khatoon began her political career with the CPI(M) before joining the Trinamool Congress, where she later became a councillor. Several party workers further allege that before approaching the Congress, she had also explored joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), although those efforts reportedly did not materialise.
Critics believe that repeatedly changing political affiliations for electoral convenience undermines the Congress’s credibility among committed grassroots workers. Several local Congress supporters have also appealed publicly to West Bengal Congress President Shubhankar Sarkar, urging him not to induct leaders whom they describe as symbols of political opportunism and alleged corruption.
According to them, inducting such leaders without consulting the local organisation risks demoralising loyal Congress workers who have remained with the party despite years of political setbacks.
Zaid Anwar Accused of Engineering the Protest
While one faction has questioned Rehana Khatoon’s political background, another section of Congress leaders has placed responsibility for the unrest on local Congress leader Zaid Anwar.
Supporters of Khatoon claim the demonstration outside Bidhan Bhavan was not a spontaneous protest by grassroots workers but a carefully organised effort aimed at preventing her entry into the Congress.
Party insiders allege that Zaid Anwar fears losing his political influence in the area if Khatoon joins the Congress with her established local support base. His critics accuse him of mobilising supporters to create pressure on the state leadership through public demonstrations.
These allegations, however, have not been independently verified, and no official statement has been issued by Zaid Anwar regarding the accusations.
Allegations of Bringing Street Politics into the Congress
Several Congress functionaries have criticised the manner in which the protests unfolded, arguing that public confrontations outside the party headquarters have tarnished the organisation’s image.
Some leaders have accused Zaid Anwar’s supporters of encouraging a style of politics marked by confrontation, intimidation and public embarrassment. They argue that internal disagreements should be resolved through party mechanisms rather than through street protests that damage the Congress’s credibility.
According to senior party members, such incidents only weaken the Congress at a time when it is attempting to rebuild its political presence in West Bengal.
State Leadership Faces a Delicate Challenge
Sources within the Congress indicate that the state leadership had already given preliminary approval for Rehana Khatoon’s induction before the controversy erupted.
However, the fierce resistance from sections of the local organisation has complicated the process, placing senior party leaders in a difficult position. The Congress leadership is now expected to review the situation before making any final organisational decision.
Political observers believe the episode illustrates a recurring dilemma facing opposition parties in West Bengal—whether to strengthen the organisation by inducting influential leaders from rival parties or prioritise the interests of long-serving grassroots workers who have remained loyal to the party.
A Test of Congress Unity
The Rehana Khatoon vs Zaid Anwar dispute has become more than a personal rivalry. It has exposed deeper organisational tensions within the West Bengal Congress, where ambitions for political expansion increasingly collide with local factional interests.
How the party leadership handles this confrontation could shape not only its internal discipline but also its credibility among voters ahead of future electoral contests. For the Congress, the controversy represents another crucial test of its ability to balance political pragmatism with organisational unity.
