All India Trinamool Congress: A Bengal Powerhouse Founded on January 1, 1998, by Mamata Banerjee, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) emerged as a breakaway faction from the Indian National Congress. Quickly establishing itself as a dominant force in West Bengal's political landscape, the AITC's rise culminated in a landmark victory in the 2011 state assembly elections, ending the 34-year rule of the Left Front - the world's longest-serving democratically elected communist government. This win marked the beginning of the AITC's uninterrupted tenure as the ruling party in West Bengal, securing three consecutive majority governments. The party, currently led by Mamata Banerjee as chairperson, holds significant influence, currently ranking as the third largest party in India in terms of Member of Parliament numbers. While specific policy positions vary, the AITC generally champions regional autonomy and socio-economic development initiatives targeted at West Bengal's population. The party's electoral performance has been largely confined to West Bengal, though it has some presence nationally. The AITC's governance has seen both praise for developmental programs and criticism over alleged instances of political violence and controversies, though specific details are outside the scope of this summary. Its core principles center around regional empowerment and welfare-oriented policies, positioning it as a key player in Indian politics, particularly within West Bengal.