Two expelled TMC MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, reportedly held meetings with party legislators, sparking claims of internal dissent.
Internal Rift in TMC: Claims of Support from Over 50 MLAs
Two expelled TMC MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, reportedly held meetings with party legislators, sparking claims of internal dissent.
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The Trinamool Congress (TMC) appears to be facing internal discord as two expelled MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, reportedly held late-night meetings with several party legislators. According to media reports, these meetings took place at the MLA hostel and included TMC members from regions like Malda and Murshidabad. Suspended TMC leader Riju Dutta has claimed that over 50 of the party's 80 MLAs are prepared to align with this faction, which seeks changes in the party's leadership structure, including the position of Leader of the Opposition.
The expulsion of Saha and Banerjee followed a press conference by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, during which allegations of forged signatures in the state assembly were discussed. TMC had supported Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition, but the expelled MLAs were accused of anti-party activities and making statements harmful to the party. A message sent to them stated that their actions had violated party discipline, leading to their immediate removal.
Reacting to his expulsion, Sandipan Saha remarked that raising ethical concerns within the party was being labeled as anti-party activity. He denied any plans to join another political party. Meanwhile, Congress leader Udit Raj commented on the situation, suggesting that the unrest within TMC reflects the consequences of its leadership's past actions.
The developments have raised questions about the stability within TMC and its future course of action.