Is Mamata losing her own party? Expelled TMC leader claims backing of over two-thirds MLAs

According to reports, around 60 of the party's 80 MLAs have rallied behind expelled lawmakers Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, who have openly revolted against TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Rebels Claim Support Of Two-Third MLAs

Speaking to the media while entering the Assembly premises, Sandipan Saha claimed the rebel camp enjoys the support of more than two-thirds of the party's elected legislators.

"We have the support of more than two-third elected members," Saha said.

Several other MLAs who arrived at the Assembly cited "personal reasons" for their visit, despite the House not being in session.

Challenge To Official Opposition Leader Candidate

The rebel faction is expected to field its own candidate for the post of Leader of Opposition, challenging the party's official proposal of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay.

The move is being viewed as a direct challenge to the party leadership and could deepen the ongoing internal crisis within the TMC.

Rebellion Follows Election Defeat

The latest development comes days after speculation intensified over a possible split within the Trinamool Congress, which was voted out of power by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) last month.

Ritabrata Banerjee, one of the leading faces of the rebellion, has accused Abhishek Banerjee of triggering the crisis through his style of functioning. However, he has maintained that he continues to believe in Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

Party Faces Crucial Test

With the rebel camp claiming the backing of a significant number of MLAs, the unfolding power struggle could prove to be a critical test for Mamata Banerjee's control over the party she founded, while also raising questions about the TMC's future direction in the post-election landscape.

LoP selection sparks controversy

The latest political turbulence centres on the process through which veteran TMC leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay was proposed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.

According to party communications, TMC legislators had unanimously backed Chattopadhyay for the position.

However, controversy erupted after questions surfaced regarding signatures attached to a resolution submitted in support of the nomination.

Allegations emerged that some signatures on the document may not have matched those of the legislators concerned.

The issue subsequently attracted the attention of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has reportedly contacted multiple MLAs as part of its inquiry.

The controversy deepened further after reports indicated that the CID had also approached senior party leaders in connection with the investigation.

Sources have suggested that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to examine the allegations.