Bengal Minister Predicts Imminent TMC Split
West Bengal BJP MLA Tapas Roy has asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is on the verge of a significant split, drawing parallels to the political instability recently witnessed in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters outside the state assembly, Roy cited growing dissatisfaction among the ruling party's leaders and legislators as the primary driver for this impending fragmentation.
“There is growing dissatisfaction among many leaders and legislators. The developments indicate that the party is heading towards a split, a situation similar to what happened in Maharashtra,” Roy stated. The former TMC member, who joined the BJP in 2024, emphatically added, “TMC will break…100%. It should break.”
Dissent Brews After Key Meeting Absences
Speculation about a TMC split intensified following reports that approximately 60 of the party's 80 MLAs skipped a crucial meeting convened by party chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday. These widespread absences have fueled rumors of internal dissent, particularly after the party's recent electoral setbacks.
Further indications of unrest emerged with reports of TMC MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha meeting several legislators at the MLA Hostel in Kolkata. Sources suggest that between 20 and 50 legislators might be in communication with this burgeoning dissident faction.
Expulsions and Accusations Rock Party
In response to the growing discord, the TMC on Monday expelled Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, citing alleged anti-party activities. The party's communication to the two MLAs highlighted their repeated failure to attend leadership-convened meetings and involvement in activities contrary to party interests.
Ritabrata Banerjee, widely regarded as a key figure among the dissident legislators, publicly accused the party of straying from its foundational principles. “The party has been hijacked by I-PAC and no longer belongs to Mamata Banerjee,” he declared outside the assembly, a statement that has further deepened the internal rift.
Leadership Downplays Rift Amidst High Stakes
Despite the escalating tensions, senior TMC leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay sought to dismiss the rumors of a split. He maintained that the majority of legislators remain loyal to Mamata Banerjee and that the party stands united. However, Chattopadhyay acknowledged that efforts were underway to engineer defections and destabilize the opposition.
The political chatter gained additional traction amidst reports that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was expected to travel to New Delhi later the same day, adding another layer of intrigue to West Bengal's unfolding political drama.