The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has experienced its first major split in its 28-year history, as 58 dissident legislators took control of the party's West Bengal legislature wing. The rebel faction, led by newly elected leader Ritabrata Banerjee, has formally declared that party MP Abhishek Banerjee will have "absolutely no role" in their operations.
On Wednesday, the dissenting MLAs secured official recognition from West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, solidifying their position. This move follows the expulsion of Ritabrata Banerjee and fellow rebel Sandipan Saha earlier in the week.
Rebels Claim Majority and New Leadership
Addressing reporters, Ritabrata Banerjee emphasized the rebel group's numerical strength, stating they command the support of 58 out of the TMC's 80 MLAs, representing a clear two-thirds majority. He also indicated that two more legislators were expected to join their ranks.
The Speaker's decision paves the way for Ritabrata Banerjee to assume the role of Leader of the Opposition. The new leadership structure for the legislative party has been communicated to Assembly authorities, with Akhruzzaman appointed as chief whip. Javed Ahmed Khan, Sandipan Saha, Sabina Yasmin, and Shiuli Saha were named deputy leaders.
"Abhishek Banerjee will have absolutely no role in it. Neither our legislative party nor the party organisation has any connection whatsoever with him. Nor does the public have any connection with him."
— Ritabrata Banerjee, Rebel Leader
Origins of the Rift and Abhishek Banerjee's Sidelining
The rebellion reportedly escalated from a dispute over a proposal sent to the Speaker concerning the recognition of senior TMC MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition. Allegations of forged signatures on this proposal triggered an FIR and a subsequent CID investigation, intensifying the power struggle within the party.
Ritabrata Banerjee drew a sharp distinction between the rebel camp and Abhishek Banerjee, who is widely considered the second-most influential figure in the party after TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. Ritabrata criticized Abhishek Banerjee's past conduct, referencing a previous incident where he was allegedly "beaten just as thieves are beaten" and questioned his claims of public support versus his request for enhanced central security.
Despite leading the challenge against sections of the party leadership, Ritabrata Banerjee sought to maintain a connection with Mamata Banerjee, requesting her to play the role of "chief adviser" to the legislative party. He asserted that the rebel faction represents the legitimate Trinamool presence within the Assembly, adhering to parliamentary norms as the real opposition in West Bengal.