TMC Faces Internal Strife as Rebel Leaders Claim Support from Majority of MLAs
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with an internal crisis as expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha claim to have the support of 59 legislators. This rebellion poses a significant threat to the party's unity, with allegations of forged signatures on key proposals and secret meetings among dissenting members. As tensions rise, the future of TMC leadership hangs in the balance, prompting speculation about a potential split. The situation is further complicated by challenges to the leadership of Abhishek Banerjee, making this a critical moment for the party.
| Jun 3, 2026, 12:29 IST
TMC's Internal Conflict Intensifies
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee is currently facing a potential split, as expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha have arrived at the West Bengal Assembly, asserting that they have the backing of at least 59 fellow party legislators. Sources revealed to a local media outlet that the dissenting faction is positioning Ritabrata Banerjee as the new Leader of the Opposition (LOP). Following the recent assembly elections, TMC has retained a total of 80 MLAs. With the support of 59 legislators, Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha could evade the anti-defection law, allowing them to possibly retain the party's name and symbol.
According to insiders, the rebel faction is preparing to submit a letter to the party president, claiming support from more than two-thirds of the party's legislators. With 80 MLAs in the assembly, the two-thirds threshold stands at 54. Further reports indicate that there are no plans to form a new party. A meeting of the dissenting MLAs is currently underway within the assembly, and the party president has also arrived there. Just 15 minutes after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari mentioned Ritabrata's name in a press conference, stating that a formal complaint had been received regarding the rebel leader, it was revealed that Ritabrata was among the two expelled MLAs for anti-party activities.
Ritabrata, along with Sandipan Saha, had previously alleged that signatures on the party's proposal letter, which determined the names of the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader, and Chief Whip on May 6, were forged, including those of several TMC MLAs. A day after their expulsion from the party, both leaders were seen in contact with numerous TMC legislators. Reports suggest that Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha met with several party MLAs at the Kolkata MLA hostel, fueling speculation about the formation of a 'new faction' within TMC. Ritabrata has openly challenged the leadership of Abhishek Banerjee. A key point of contention appears to be Ritabrata Banerjee's role within the party, particularly concerning the IPAC. TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh has accused the expelled leaders of attempting to divide the party and claimed they held secret meetings with some legislators at a hotel in South Kolkata.