The political turmoil inside the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Friday (June 5) as expelled party MLA Ritabrata Banerjee made a series of allegations against party MP Abhishek Banerjee, claiming that dissatisfaction with the leadership is growing rapidly within the organisation.
Speaking to media, Ritabrata Banerjee alleged that as many as 61 MLAs are currently aligned with the rebel camp and that more legislators could join them before the Assembly session begins on June 18.
“Currently, 61 MLAs are with us right now, so there will definitely be an increase in the numbers before the Assembly session starts,” he said.
The remarks come amid an escalating battle over the post of Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, a contest that has exposed what appears to be the most serious internal crisis faced by the Trinamool Congress in recent years.
Rift Widens After TMC’s Electoral Defeat
The rebellion follows the party’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections, a setback that has triggered growing resentment among several legislators.
According to Ritabrata Banerjee, a substantial section of TMC MLAs have rejected the leadership’s decision to back Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition and instead support his candidature for the post.
The rebel camp claims it has the backing of 58 sitting MLAs, along with expelled MLA Sandipan Saha. Including Ritabrata himself, the faction claims support from 60 legislators.
The group has already submitted a letter to the Speaker asserting that it represents the legislative party and rejecting the official selection of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.
‘Standing Ovation for Abhishek After Defeat’
Among the most striking allegations made by Ritabrata Banerjee was his claim that party legislators were asked to give a standing ovation to Abhishek Banerjee despite the party’s electoral setback.
According to him, during a meeting held at Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence on May 6, a resolution was allegedly passed praising Abhishek Banerjee.
Ritabrata claimed that party leaders insisted the Trinamool Congress had not actually lost the elections and that legislators were expected to applaud Abhishek.
“It was also said that the TMC did not lose the elections. Everyone was asked to give a standing ovation to Abhishek Banerjee. We may have asked where you were, but I did not have the courage or capacity to defy that, so I also stood, but it was not a full standing ovation,” he said.
He further alleged that MLAs were required to sign attendance sheets during the meeting and that names of absent legislators were also marked.
Direct Attack on Abhishek Banerjee
While Ritabrata largely avoided direct criticism of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he openly blamed her nephew and party MP Abhishek Banerjee for the crisis engulfing the party.
He accused Abhishek of encouraging corruption and creating widespread dissatisfaction among party workers and legislators.
According to Ritabrata, the current rebellion is not directed against Mamata Banerjee but against the growing influence of Abhishek within the organisation.
He further alleged that the party’s grassroots structure had effectively been taken over by a small leadership group centred around Abhishek.
“Unfortunately, the grassroots-level party has been hijacked. Now he has fallen. People are rejoicing, but Didi has decided to continue with him, so this is a very major issue,” he said.
Forgery Allegations Over LoP Selection
The expelled MLA also accused Abhishek Banerjee of attempting to secure recognition for the Leader of the Opposition without obtaining the consent of party legislators.
According to Ritabrata, documents submitted to the Assembly Speaker in support of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay’s candidature did not reflect the wishes of the majority of MLAs.
He alleged that forged signatures were used on documents relating to the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition.
The rebel faction has already raised these allegations formally and a police case has reportedly been registered in connection with the matter.
If proven, the allegations could significantly complicate the ongoing battle over legislative leadership within the Trinamool Congress.
Claims of Political Isolation After Defeat
Ritabrata also took aim at Abhishek Banerjee’s conduct following the party’s electoral setback.
He alleged that Abhishek remained largely absent from public life after the elections and suggested that the MP had struggled to cope with the scale of the defeat.
“Abhishek Banerjee was in hibernation mode after the elections,” Ritabrata claimed.
The remarks are among the sharpest attacks yet by a senior Trinamool leader against the party’s second-most influential figure.
The rebellion comes at a critical time for the Trinamool Congress, with the Assembly session scheduled to begin on June 18.
The dispute over the Leader of the Opposition post has now evolved into a broader confrontation over the future direction of the party and the role of Abhishek Banerjee within it.
While the official TMC leadership continues to stand behind its decisions, the rebel camp insists it commands majority support among party legislators.
Whether the Speaker accepts the rebel faction’s claims or recognises the leadership-backed candidate could have major implications for the political landscape in West Bengal.
For now, Ritabrata Banerjee’s allegations have further exposed the deepening fault lines within the Trinamool Congress, raising fresh questions about the party’s unity after its electoral defeat and whether more legislators could break ranks in the days ahead.
