A tense day in the West Bengal Assembly saw the Trinamool Congress face an internal challenge when a group of MLAs sought recognition for an alternative leadership. Suspended leaders Ritobrato Banerjee and Sandeepan Saha entered the premises with several legislators, indicating the formation of a breakaway group. Multiple MLAs arrived in unmarked vehicles and aligned with the new bloc. The rebels stated they had backing from 60 TMC MLAs, with around 25 present at the site. They submitted a letter to Speaker Rathindra Bose signed by 60 members, requesting formal acceptance of a new structure. The proposal named Ritobrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition, Akruzzaman as Chief Whip, and Javed Khan, Sandeepan Saha, Shiuli Saha and Sabina Yasmin as deputy leaders. The Speaker later provided the opposition office key to Ritobrata Banerjee. He stated he still viewed Mamata Banerjee as his leader and remained open to her direction. The move rejected the authority of Abhishek Banerjee and created competing claims over legislative positions. Several rebel MLAs had received tickets following recommendations from the party organisation. Observers described the events as a contest over internal authority, with risks of further organisational strain. Comparisons were drawn to earlier factional disputes in other states that led to extended legal proceedings. Reports also noted limited attendance by some MPs at recent party events, raising additional concerns about wider divisions.
