TMC Split Out In Open? Rebel Faction Eyes 'Jora Ghas Phul'; Expelled Ritabrata, Sandipan Reach Assembly With Support Of 59 MLAs

Kolkata: A fresh political storm erupted in West Bengal on Wednesday after expelled Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Ritabrata Banerjee arrived at the State Assembly carrying letters of support from 59 legislators. 

Ritabrata Banerjee's arrival at the Assembly, along with fellow expelled MLA Sandipan Saha, has fuelled questions over who represents the ‘real’ Trinamool Congress and whether a battle over the party's identity and election symbol could be on the horizon.

According to sources, the rebel faction is preparing to stake claim to the Trinamool Congress party symbol, signalling that the internal rift within the ruling party has now moved into the open.

The development comes just days after Banerjee and Saha were expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities. The expulsions were announced on Monday, shortly after a press conference in which Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari revealed Banerjee's name and stated that the Assembly Speaker had received a formal complaint from the rebel leader.

Ritabrata Banerjee has now claimed the support of a large group of legislators. As per the top sources close to the rebel TMC faction, he was carrying signatures from 59 legislators in support of his side.

Why Did TMC Punish Ritabrata And Sandipan?

The rebellion traces its roots to allegations made by Banerjee and Saha regarding a Trinamool Congress resolution adopted on May 6. The two leaders alleged that the signatures of several TMC MLAs, including their own, were forged on party documents related to the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader and Chief Whip.

Their allegations sparked a major controversy within the party and eventually led to disciplinary action against them.

Wednesday's dramatic developments have intensified rumours of unrest within Mamata's Trinamool Congress and raised the possibility of a formal split in the party. The sight of several TMC MLAs arriving at the Assembly one after another further fuelled speculation that significant political developments were underway behind closed doors.

The latest show of strength by the rebel camp has set the stage for what could become one of the biggest internal challenges faced by former Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's party in recent years.

TMC Breakup On Shiv Sena Lines? Mamata Faces Biggest Internal Revolt Yet

After suffering a devastating electoral setback against the BJP in West Bengal in the recently concluded assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee appears to be facing one of the most challenging phases of her political career. The Trinamool Congress, the party she built from the ground up and led for decades, is now staring at a possible internal split, with political circles drawing comparisons to the dramatic split witnessed in the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. As per the sources, a majority of TMC legislators are unhappy with the current leadership and this anti-Abhishek Banerjee sentiment has paved the way for an open rebellion led by expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha.