West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a significant internal challenge, with a rebel group of legislators pitching expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as their choice for Leader of the Opposition. This development, occurring on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, has ignited speculation of a potential split within the party, reminiscent of the recent Shiv Sena upheaval.
Rebel Faction Claims Majority Support
Around 60 of the Trinamool Congress's 80 MLAs reportedly gathered at the West Bengal Assembly, fueling rumors of a dissident movement. Sources from the rebel camp assert that they have letters of support from 59 MLAs, a number that surpasses the two-thirds threshold (54 MLAs) required under the anti-defection law to avoid disqualification.
Expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee is at the center of this power struggle, with the rebel group seeking to recognize him both as the leader of the TMC legislature party and as the Leader of the Opposition. The response of Speaker Rathindra Bose is now keenly awaited, as his decision could determine the composition of the opposition benches and the balance of power within the TMC in the House.
Key Figures and Political Commentary
Several prominent MLAs, including Arup Roy, Shiuli Saha, Akhruzzaman, and Sabina Yeasmin, were observed entering the Assembly for the rebel meeting. Notably, many of these legislators were absent from a dharna led by party supremo Mamata Banerjee in central Kolkata just the day before. Conversely, leaders considered close to the party leadership, such as Sovandeb Chattopadhyay and Madan Mitra, reportedly stayed away from Wednesday's gathering.
Speaking to reporters, TMC MLA Sabina Yeasmin confirmed the meeting's purpose: "We have come for a meeting to discuss the selection of the Leader of the Opposition. We will meet among ourselves." She clarified that "all of us" had convened the meeting, without attributing it to Mamata Banerjee or national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh weighed in on the unfolding crisis, drawing parallels to the recent split in Maharashtra's Shiv Sena. Ghosh stated, "The TMC is such an old party like Shiv Sena, but it too had an ideological struggle and a distinct identity, and it eventually split because of power politics and the desire to break away from family control. These people have enjoyed power only for a few years, yet society now wants to move beyond family-centric politics. Therefore, I believe this is a fight against dynastic politics. Now, let us see what happens next."
Procedural Dispute Escalates Crisis
The current unrest stems from a procedural disagreement following the recent Assembly elections. On May 6, a meeting at Mamata Banerjee's residence reportedly authorized the party leadership to name the Leader of the Opposition, deputy leaders, and chief whip. The TMC subsequently informed the Assembly that Sovandeb Chattopadhyay would be LoP, with Nayana Bandyopadhyay and Ashima Patra as deputy leaders, and Firhad Hakim as chief whip.
However, the Assembly secretariat did not act on this communication, citing rules that require these office-bearers to be elected at a formal meeting of the legislature party. Dissident MLAs have since alleged that the signatures on the party's communication were "fake," claiming legislators had only signed an attendance register on May 6, not a resolution. The party leadership has denied these charges, accusing the rebels of acting under external influence to destabilize the TMC after its electoral defeat. This week, the party expelled Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, further intensifying the internal strife and raising questions about Mamata Banerjee's command over the legislature party.