Abhishek Banerjee formally entered politics in 2011, the same year the Trinamool Congress ended 34 years of Left rule in West Bengal. At 23, he was appointed national president of the All India Trinamool Youth Congress, marking the beginning of a rapid ascent. His 2014 election to the Lok Sabha from Diamond Harbour at age 26 made him the youngest MP in the 16th Lok Sabha. Since then, his electoral dominance has grown: his victory margin expanded from 71,000 votes in 2014 to over 7 lakh in 2024, reflecting both personal popularity and the party's consolidation in southern Bengal.

By 2021, his influence was formally recognized with his appointment as Trinamool Congress General Secretary—an institutional role that underscores his centrality to the party's strategy. While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remains the undisputed leader, Abhishek has become the face of the party's national outreach and youth mobilization. He represents TMC in parliamentary debates, frequently challenging the central government and the BJP on governance and federalism. His approach diverges from the emotive, street-level politics associated with the party's founding era, emphasizing data-driven campaigning, digital outreach, and booth-level coordination.

Allegations of corruption have accompanied his rise. Central agencies have questioned him in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam and coal pilferage allegations—cases that opposition parties describe as political vendettas, while critics view them as scrutiny of entrenched patronage networks. These investigations have not dented his electoral standing, but they remain a point of contention in public discourse and could influence perceptions as he seeks broader legitimacy.

Looking ahead to the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, Abhishek Banerjee faces a defining challenge: proving his ability to lead the party independently in a high-stakes electoral contest. While no formal succession plan has been announced, his growing responsibilities suggest a deliberate effort to position him as a long-term leader. The TMC's strategy now involves geographic and generational division of labor—Mamata focusing on northern districts and governance, while Abhishek consolidates support in the south and among younger voters. His performance in 2026 will likely determine not only the party's fate but also the trajectory of political succession in one of India's most influential regional parties.