The alleged TMC split gained fresh attention after expelled MLAs claimed backing from more than 50 legislators and signalled plans to seek recognition as the party’s legitimate faction.

Fresh political uncertainty has emerged within West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) after expelled party leader Riju Dutta claimed that more than 50 MLAs are preparing to challenge the existing leadership structure and stake claim to the party’s identity.

The developments follow a meeting held at the MLA Hostel in Kolkata on Monday, where expelled TMC legislators Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha reportedly met several party lawmakers. The gathering has fuelled speculation about possible divisions within the party led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Claim of Majority Support

Dutta, who is not an MLA, alleged that over 50 of TMC’s 80 legislators are ready to declare themselves the “real” Trinamool Congress. According to him, the group plans to approach the Assembly Speaker with a set of demands that could significantly alter the political landscape in the state.

The proposed demands include recognition of the rebel faction as the legitimate TMC, appointment of Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition in place of Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay, and a claim over the party’s election symbol on the basis of legislative strength.

Under existing provisions, however, a breakaway faction would require the support of at least two-thirds of the legislature party—54 MLAs in this case—to avoid disqualification under anti-defection rules and seek formal recognition.

Meeting Sparks Questions

Political observers have focused on Monday’s meeting because reports suggested that some senior TMC legislators, including individuals considered close to Mamata Banerjee, were present.

While no official list of attendees has been made public, the meeting has intensified discussion about dissatisfaction within sections of the ruling party.

The TMC leadership has not indicated any immediate concern over the claims, and party leaders maintain that the organisation remains firmly under Mamata Banerjee’s control.

Opposition Reacts

The speculation has prompted reactions from rival political parties.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed suggestions that rebel TMC legislators could join the BJP. He said the party was pursuing its own grassroots strategy and would not open its doors to leaders facing allegations or controversies.

Meanwhile, Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay asserted that the overwhelming majority of TMC legislators would remain loyal to Mamata Banerjee and that senior party functionaries continued to control the organisation.

Congress leader Udit Raj offered a more critical assessment, claiming that growing dissatisfaction among workers could weaken the party further. He also urged Mamata Banerjee to focus on strengthening opposition unity within the INDIA bloc.

Three Possible Outcomes

Political analysts point to three broad scenarios if the rebellion gains momentum.

The first would involve at least 54 TMC MLAs moving together to another party, such as the BJP. However, BJP leaders have publicly ruled out such a possibility.

The second scenario involves the emergence of a rival faction claiming to be the authentic TMC. In that case, the matter could ultimately be examined by the Election Commission and potentially challenged in court.

A third possibility is the formation of an entirely new political party by dissident legislators. For such a move to carry legal protection under anti-defection provisions, a two-thirds split would still be required.

Election Symbol Challenge

Legal experts note that legislative strength alone may not determine ownership of a party name or symbol.

Previous disputes involving parties such as Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party demonstrated that authorities consider multiple factors, including support among MPs, control of the party organisation, office-bearers, and provisions within the party constitution.

As a result, even if a rebel group secures significant backing among MLAs, it may still face difficulties claiming the Trinamool Congress name and election symbol without wider organisational support.

Expulsion Trigger

The current controversy stems from the expulsion of Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee earlier this week. The two legislators had raised objections regarding a resolution appointing Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition, alleging that their signatures were forged on the document.

Both MLAs have maintained that their removal from the party was linked to their decision to challenge the resolution.

For now, the claims of a large-scale rebellion remain unverified. The coming days could prove crucial in determining whether the episode represents a temporary internal dispute or the beginning of a deeper political realignment within the TMC.