Dissident Trinamool legislators seize control of party’s legislative wing in West Bengal
A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) took over the party’s legislature wing in the West Bengal Assembly, elected expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as its leader, and secured recognition from the speaker, marking the first split in the party’s 28‑year history. The move follows reports of internal strife, defections, and criticism from opposition leaders. According to Business Today, 58 T
Dissident Trinamool Congress legislators seized control of the party’s legislature wing in the West Bengal Assembly, elected expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as their leader, and obtained formal recognition from Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, Business Today reported. The outlet noted that this development marks the first division in the Trinamool Congress in its 28‑year history.
Business Today also reported that the dissident legislators, who now control the legislature wing, said Abhishek Banerjee would have no connection with the legislative party, the party organisation, the public, or the people of Bengal, describing the exclusion in emphatic terms.
The Times of India reported that West Bengal BJP leader Rahul Sinha accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of treating Trinamool Congress MLAs and MPs as "mere servants" and cited a rebel leader’s claim that elected representatives were forced to stand and applaud Abhishek Banerjee during a post‑election review meeting.
The Times of India further reported significant internal strife within the Trinamool Congress, with a rebel faction claiming substantial MLA support and several MPs merging with another party. Business Today added that expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee declared that party MP Abhishek Banerjee would have "absolutely no role" in the legislature wing now controlled by rebel MLAs.
The Hindu reported that the Trinamool Congress secured nearly 41% of the votes in West Bengal in the recent Assembly elections.
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