Turmoil in TMC: Split Group Shows Signs of Fracturing as Rebels Rally for Mamata

Internal dissent grows within the breakaway faction as only a fraction of MLAs show support for the newly appointed leadership.

The political landscape in West Bengal remains volatile as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) navigates a messy internal split. A scheduled meeting in the assembly on Thursday highlighted deep divisions within the rebel camp, with only 32 of the 58 dissident MLAs in attendance. This low turnout has sparked widespread speculation that the momentum behind the breakaway group is stalling, with many legislators reportedly having second thoughts about their defiance against the party high command.

Internal Divide Over Leadership

The rift appears to center on the role of Mamata Banerjee. While the faction’s chosen leader, the expelled Ritabrata Banerjee, has designated the former Chief Minister as "chief adviser," a significant cohort of 16 MLAs is pushing for her to retain the title of "chairperson." Speaking on behalf of the dissenting voices, Panchla legislator Gulshan Mullick remarked that their political trajectories were built under her guidance and that they desire her to remain the party’s primary head.

The atmosphere remains tense as Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly receiving feelers to abandon the Mamata-Abhishek Banerjee duo. Despite these efforts to consolidate power, the internal friction suggests that the rebel bloc is far from a unified front. Several members have clearly expressed that they are not prepared to fully distance themselves from the veteran leader’s shadow.

Speaker’s Intervention Adds Complexity

Adding a legal layer to the chaos, Speaker Rathindra Basu has declared the expulsion of Ritabrata and his deputy, Sandipan Saha, as invalid. The party had moved to remove both men following accusations of "anti-party activities" and alleged forgery regarding signatures on a letter backing Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay for the position of Leader of Opposition. The Speaker maintained that the TMC’s expulsion process failed to adhere to the party’s own constitutional requirements, which mandate show-cause notices and adequate response time.

Because the breakaway faction demonstrated they have the required number of legislators, the Speaker has officially recognized the group. However, this has set the stage for a protracted legal battle. The TMC leadership is now preparing to approach the Calcutta High Court to challenge the Speaker’s decision, arguing that an expelled member is constitutionally ineligible to serve as the Leader of Opposition.