In a major jolt to the Trinamool Congress, 58 rebel MLAs have formally split from the party in the West Bengal Assembly, announcing a separate legislative faction on Wednesday. The group elected recently expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as its legislature party leader, escalating the internal crisis that has been brewing for weeks.

The development marks one of the largest recorded splits in the TMC since its formation. The rebel MLAs met Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose and submitted a formal letter of support for the new faction. They have also named Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha, and Siuli Saha as deputy leaders, with Akhruzzaman appointed as chief whip.

Rebels Reject Abhishek's Authority

While the breakaway group has reiterated its recognition of Mamata Banerjee as the party president, it has categorically rejected the leadership of her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and any decisions taken by him regarding the legislative party. Sources familiar with the matter said the rebels were particularly upset over what they claimed was high-handedness in handling Assembly affairs.

The immediate trigger for the rebellion was a letter sent on Abhishek Banerjee’s letterhead to the Speaker, proposing senior TMC leader Shovandev Chattopadhyay’s name as Leader of the Opposition. MLAs Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee alleged that their signatures were forged on the document.

Mamata Banerjee expelled both legislators from the party on Monday following their complaint. The expulsions appear to have backfired, triggering wider discontent within the ranks.

Dissolution of Party Committees

On the same day, Mamata Banerjee dissolved all state-level committees and frontal organisations of the TMC with immediate effect. Party leaders described the move as a step towards complete organisational restructuring. Fresh committees are expected to be announced soon.

Key Developments That Led to the Crisis

The current turmoil comes against the backdrop of several setbacks and internal rumblings in recent weeks.

On May 31, as many as 60 of the 80 TMC MLAs skipped a crucial meeting called by Mamata Banerjee. The meeting had to be postponed. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh had then said the absent legislators were busy preparing protests against alleged attacks on Abhishek Banerjee.

The same day, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed he was attacked by BJP supporters outside a police station in Hooghly. He alleged that around 10-15 men in saffron clothes pelted stones and abused him.

A day earlier, on May 30, Abhishek Banerjee himself was allegedly assaulted in South Sonarpur, with eggs and slippers thrown at him. The party claimed there was an attempt on his life and five persons were later arrested.

Earlier, on May 27, TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from all party posts. Her resignation came after she attended a meeting chaired by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

On May 20, only 35 MLAs turned up for the party’s first major protest after the Assembly election defeat. The protest was held near the Ambedkar statue in the Assembly complex against post-poll violence and anti-encroachment drives.

Photo from June 1 Shows Early Signs of Rebellion

A photograph from June 1 showed Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha in a meeting with other MLAs, signalling the early stages of the brewing discontent.

What Lies Ahead

The formation of the breakaway faction has raised questions about the future strength of the TMC in the Assembly and the stability of Mamata Banerjee’s hold over the party. Political observers note that while the rebels have stopped short of fully severing ties with Mamata, the open rejection of Abhishek Banerjee’s authority points to deep fissures within the organisation.

The Speaker’s office is yet to take a final call on the recognition of the new faction. The coming days are likely to see further political manoeuvring as both sides attempt to consolidate support.

The split comes at a time when the TMC is still recovering from its Assembly election performance and facing pressure from opposition parties, particularly the BJP.