What’s Behind the TMC's Internal Crisis? CID Investigates Alleged Forged Signatures

A CID team has launched an investigation into alleged forged signatures at the TMC's headquarters, leading to a major internal crisis within the party. The situation escalated after a proposal to recognize a senior MLA as Leader of Opposition allegedly contained forged signatures. With 58 MLAs backing a rebel candidate, the TMC faces its first split since its formation in 1998. This unfolding drama raises questions about the party's future and leadership dynamics. Read on to discover the latest developments in this political turmoil.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 9, 2026, 16:43 IST

CID Investigation at TMC Headquarters

Kolkata: On Tuesday, a team from the CID arrived at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) central office and the Kalighat residence of Mamata Banerjee, the party leader, as part of their investigation into allegations of forged signatures involving MLAs, which has led to a significant rift within the party.

The state investigative agency's officials, along with personnel from the Kalighat police station and a substantial number of female officers, reached the TMC's central office located at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street around noon, according to sources.

This action by the CID follows recent notices issued to gather information regarding the alleged forgery of signatures from TMC legislators on a proposal presented to the Assembly Speaker for the acknowledgment of the Leader of Opposition.

CID officials indicated that the search was initiated based on a response from TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, to a previous notice from the agency.

In his reply, Abhishek Banerjee mentioned that the signatures of MLAs were gathered at the party's central office. A CID officer stated that this prompted their visit as part of the ongoing investigation.

However, the CID team faced resistance when they were denied entry into the premises, resulting in a brief confrontation with the office's management.

TMC leader and former MP Subhasish Chakraborty expressed that the party opposed the search in the absence of Abhishek Banerjee.

"We have not permitted the CID to enter without Abhishek Banerjee present. Once he arrives, the CID can proceed with their search," Chakraborty informed reporters.

This incident adds a new layer to the forged-signature controversy, which has escalated into the most significant internal conflict in the TMC's 28-year history.

The issue arose after a proposal sent to the Speaker, which sought to recognize senior TMC MLA Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of Opposition, allegedly included forged signatures from multiple legislators. This led to the filing of an FIR and the initiation of a CID investigation.

The roots of this rebellion can be traced back to disagreements over the selection of the Leader of Opposition following the Assembly elections.

The situation intensified when 58 out of the TMC's 80 MLAs defied party leadership and supported expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee for the position instead of the party's official candidate, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay.

In a surprising turn of events last week, the rebel faction took control of the legislative party, elected Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition, and gained recognition from the Assembly Speaker, marking the first split in the TMC since its inception in 1998.