Mamata's TMC splits wide open as 58 MLAs back expelled Ritabrata as Bengal LoP

According to media reports, at least 58 out of 60 MLAs have signed a proposal supporting the Uluberia MLA's candidature for the post, effectively rejecting the official TMC leadership's choice.

The proposal will be submitted before the Chair.

TMC rebel faction meet at Vidhan Sabha. Photo: IBNS source

Rebels Challenge Party Leadership

Ritabrata Banerjee and Entally MLA Sandipan Saha have emerged as the faces of the rebellion against TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

The revolt is reportedly backed by more than 50 MLAs from different parts of the state.

Both Ritabrata and Sandipan had earlier been expelled from the party.

Claim Of Two-Thirds Support

Speaking to reporters while entering the Assembly premises, Sandipan Saha claimed the rebel camp enjoys the support of more than two-thirds of the party's elected legislators.

"We have the support of more than two-third elected members," Saha said.

Several MLAs who arrived at the Assembly, despite the House not being in session, cited "personal reasons" for their visit.

Challenge To Official Opposition Leader Candidate

The rebel faction is expected to field its own candidate for the post of Leader of Opposition, challenging the party's official proposal of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay.

The move is being viewed as a direct challenge to the party leadership and could deepen the ongoing internal crisis within the TMC.

Rebellion Follows Election Defeat

The latest development comes days after speculation intensified over a possible split within the Trinamool Congress, which was voted out of power by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) last month.

Ritabrata Banerjee has accused Abhishek Banerjee of triggering the crisis through his style of functioning. However, he has maintained that he continues to believe in Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

Party Faces Crucial Test

With the rebel camp claiming the backing of a significant number of MLAs, the unfolding power struggle could prove to be a critical test for Mamata Banerjee's control over the party she founded, while also raising questions about the TMC's future direction in the post-election landscape.

LoP selection sparks controversy

The latest political turbulence centres on the process through which veteran TMC leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay was proposed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.

According to party communications, TMC legislators had unanimously backed Chattopadhyay for the position.

However, controversy erupted after questions surfaced regarding signatures attached to a resolution submitted in support of the nomination.

Allegations emerged that some signatures on the document may not have matched those of the legislators concerned.

The issue subsequently attracted the attention of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has reportedly contacted multiple MLAs as part of its inquiry.

The controversy deepened further after reports indicated that the CID had also approached senior party leaders in connection with the investigation.

Sources have suggested that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to examine the allegations.