Bengal shockwave: Ritabrata Banerjee claims LoP post after massive TMC revolt

Ritabrata Banerjee has emerged as the new Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly after securing support from 58 rebel TMC legislators. The development marks a major political setback for the Trinamool Congress leadership and could reshape the state's political landscape amid growing internal divisions.

In a stunning political coup, expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee has emerged as the new Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly after receiving support from a large group of rebel TMC MLAs. The development marks a major political shift in the state and highlights growing divisions within the Trinamool Congress. The move could significantly impact West Bengal politics in the coming months.

Also Read: TMC meltdown - Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim resigns with Mamata’s nod as party splits in two

Speaker receives and accepts support letter

After getting support from 58 MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee met Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, along with several dissident legislators and submitted the letters of support on Wednesday. The Speaker has accepted the support letters. Notably, the rebel MLAs reportedly described Mamata Banerjee as their chairperson, indicating that their protest is aimed at the party leadership's choice for LoP (Soubhadeb Chattopadhyay) rather than the party chief herself.

Major setback for TMC leadership

The development comes days after the Trinamool Congress expelled Ritabrata Banerjee for alleged anti-party activities. Despite his expulsion, 58 MLAs rallied behind him, triggering speculation about a possible split within the party. With 58 MLAs backing Ritabrata Banerjee, the TMC leadership is now facing its biggest internal challenge in years. The rebellion has raised serious questions about the party's control over its MLAs.

By rejecting Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay and backing Ritabrata Banerjee for the post of Leader of the Opposition, the rebel MLAs have directly challenged the party leadership's authority. They have shown the high command that they hold the keys to the government's survival, completely shifting the balance of power away from the central leadership and into their own hands.

Controversy over Ritabrata's expulsion

Ritabrata's expulsion came amid a growing controversy over the selection of the Leader of the Opposition. Both MLAs had approached the Assembly Speaker, claiming they had not signed the proposal letter that recommended Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay's name for the post.

LoP letter row & CID investigation

The issue gained further attention after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that several signatures on the proposal letter were not genuine. He claimed that the signatures attributed to Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha did not belong to them. CM Suvendu Adhikari also alleged that three other TMC MLAs had made similar claims and said the signatures shown against their names on the resolution supporting Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay were not theirs.

Following the allegations, the West Bengal CID launched an investigation into the alleged fake signature case. As part of the probe, the agency issued a notice to TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

TMC faces 'double-collapse' challenge

Ritabrata Banerjee's election as the new Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly has created what can be described as a "double-collapse" situation for the Trinamool Congress. The party did not just lose power to the BJP in May. Within weeks, it also lost control over a large section of its own MLAs.

Despite repeated claims from the rebels that they continue to support Mamata Banerjee, the party now appears divided into two distinct groups. The situation became more serious after Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim resigned from his position in the Assembly leadership structure.

Also Read: Maharashtra-style split fears rise as TMC rebels cross crucial strength mark