TMC Expels Two MLAs Amid Growing Discontent in West Bengal Politics

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has expelled two of its MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, amid rising discontent within the party following its electoral defeat in West Bengal. The decision was made after both legislators failed to attend a crucial meeting called by party leader Mamata Banerjee. This expulsion reflects the internal strife within TMC as it grapples with the aftermath of losing power. Sandipan defended his absence, questioning the meeting's legitimacy and the handling of party procedures. The situation raises significant concerns about the party's future and leadership dynamics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2026, 18:21 IST

TMC Takes Action Against Dissident MLAs

On Monday, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) expelled two of its legislators, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, due to allegations of anti-party activities. This decision comes in the wake of increasing dissatisfaction among party leaders following TMC's loss of power in West Bengal's 2026 assembly elections. In an official statement, TMC noted that both Saha and Banerjee failed to attend a crucial meeting called by party chief Mamata Banerjee at her residence in Kalighat, Kolkata, on Sunday. The statement further indicated that the remarks made by these leaders were detrimental to the interests of the party.

The TMC's announcement specified that after careful consideration, the competent authority of the All India Trinamool Congress decided to terminate their primary membership with immediate effect. Consequently, they will be relieved of any party-related positions, responsibilities, or privileges from the date of this notice. Ritabrata, a former Rajya Sabha MP who joined TMC from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 2017, was elected from the Uluberia Purba constituency, defeating BJP candidate Rudra Prasad Banerjee by a margin of over 11,800 votes.

As for Sandipan, he represents the Entally constituency. The son of former TMC MLA Swarnakamal Saha, Sandipan recently won against BJP's Priyanka Tibrewal by over 34,000 votes in the latest assembly elections. Both Sandipan and Ritabrata were among the 60 MLAs who did not attend the meeting on Sunday. Earlier that day, Sandipan defended his absence, claiming that the meeting at Mamata's residence was convened without following proper procedures. He also raised concerns regarding the investigation into alleged forged signatures involving TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee.

Sandipan informed a news agency that a prior meeting had taken place, where proposals regarding party leadership positions were discussed. Despite being in power for 15 years, this proposal was presented in the assembly without adhering to procedural norms. Consequently, due to the lack of protocol, the matter is currently under review. Another meeting has been scheduled, raising questions about whether it was convened after a review of the procedures.