TMC Challenges Legislative Leader Recognition in West Bengal High Court
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken legal action against the recognition of Ritabrata Banerjee as the opposition leader in West Bengal. The party's petition, filed in the Calcutta High Court, seeks an urgent hearing ahead of the assembly's first session. With a significant number of its legislators backing Banerjee, the TMC faces a critical moment following recent elections where the BJP emerged victorious. Additionally, TMC MP Sougata Roy has rejected an offer to join the BJP, calling for solidarity from the opposition INDIA bloc to strengthen the party during these challenging times. Read on for more details about this unfolding political scenario.
| Jun 8, 2026, 19:42 IST
TMC Files Petition Against Legislative Leader Recognition
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court on Monday, contesting the decision to recognize Ritabrata Banerjee, a leader from a splinter group of the party, as the leader of the opposition. The TMC's attorney requested an urgent hearing, informing the court that the first session of the 18th West Bengal Assembly is set to commence on June 18. Justice Krishna Rao, before whom the matter was mentioned on an urgent basis, ordered that the petition be heard on a priority basis on June 11.
Court Directs Notice to Respondents
The court instructed the petitioner's lawyer to issue notices to the parties involved in the case. The lawyer indicated that the Assembly Speaker is the main respondent in the petition. The TMC has faced a significant setback, as 58 out of its 80 legislators supported Ritabrata Banerjee for the opposition leader position, rejecting the party's official candidate, Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay. In the recent assembly elections, the BJP secured 207 seats, while the TMC managed to win 80 seats.
TMC MP Seeks Support from Opposition Alliance
TMC MP Calls for Solidarity from the INDIA Bloc
Senior TMC MP Sougata Roy stated on Monday that he has declined an offer to switch allegiance to the BJP. He emphasized his commitment to remain with the party under whose symbol he was elected. Roy credited the opposition INDIA bloc for supporting the TMC during these challenging times. He informed a news agency, 'Yes, I received an offer to join the BJP, but I rejected it. I will stay with the party whose symbol I won the election with.' He noted that the party is under constant pressure and that support from allies would strengthen it. Roy remarked that the TMC is being targeted and attacked consistently, and backing from other parties would bolster its position.