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West Bengal's political crisis intensified on Wednesday as expelled Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Ritabrata Banerjee arrived at the state Assembly amid
dramatic claims that he has secured the support of 57 legislators and is preparing to formally stake claim for a separate legislative group to Speaker Rathindra Bose. Banerjee and fellow expelled MLA Sandipan Saha reached the Assembly along with a group of rebel legislators and are expected to submit a letter of support to the Speaker.
Sources said around 10-12 dissident TMC MLAs were present at the Assembly premises on Wednesday morning. The rebel camp claims it has the backing of 57 MLAs, a figure that, if verified, would far exceed the minimum number required to seek recognition as a separate legislative group in the 294-member House.
TMC Fissure Over 'Signature Row'
The latest developments come amid an escalating internal battle within the TMC following the controversial "signature row" over the appointment of the Leader of Opposition. Banerjee and Saha had alleged that their signatures were forged on documents related to the selection of senior TMC leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of Opposition. The controversy triggered a CID probe and exposed deep fissures within the party.
On Monday, the TMC expelled both Banerjee and Saha for alleged anti-party activities. The party accused them of undermining organisational discipline, while the two leaders hit back, alleging that the party had been "hijacked" by a small leadership circle and political consultants.
The crisis has fuelled speculation of a possible Shiv Sena-style split in Bengal politics. Reports over the past few days have suggested that dissident legislators held a series of meetings and were considering approaching the Speaker to seek recognition as the "real Trinamool" and challenge the existing leadership structure. Some rebel leaders have even projected Ritabrata Banerjee as a potential Leader of Opposition.
The TMC leadership, however, has dismissed the rebellion claims and reiterated its support for Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of Opposition. Party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has already written to Speaker Rathindra Bose reaffirming the party's official position.
With rival letters, competing claims of majority support and growing speculation about defections, the battle for control of the TMC's legislative wing now appears set to move to the Speaker's office, potentially shaping the future of opposition politics in West Bengal.
