'Asli' vs 'Nakli' TMC! Ritabrata Banerjee reaches Assembly claiming 59 MLAs' support

Expelled Trinamool MLA Ritabrata Banerjee arrived at the West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday morning amid growing speculation over a possible split within the Trinamool Congress. Sources claimed that Banerjee is carrying a letter signed by 59 MLAs and is expected to submit it to Assembly authorities after a meeting with other legislators. The development has intensified discussions over competing claims to represent the “real” Trinamool Congress.

Banerjee reached the Assembly premises at around 10 a.m., earlier than expected. According to sources, a meeting is scheduled after the arrival of Sandipan Saha, following which the letter may be formally submitted. Supporters of the group are reportedly seeking recognition as the legitimate Trinamool faction and are preparing to stake their claim before the Assembly.

The move comes after a series of meetings convened by Mamata Banerjee at Kalighat following the party’s electoral setback. Reports indicated that a large number of legislators stayed away from those meetings. Last Sunday, a meeting of Trinamool legislators was reportedly cancelled after around 60 MLAs did not attend. Sources now claim that many of those absent legislators are among the 59 MLAs backing Ritabrata Banerjee.

Several legislators were seen arriving at the Assembly on Wednesday morning. Those reportedly present included Shiuli Saha, Sabina Yasmin, Akhruzzaman and Samir Panja, among others from different districts. Sources said that if the new group secures recognition, Ritabrata Banerjee could be projected as Leader of the Opposition, while Sandipan Saha and Javed Khan may be considered for deputy leadership positions. Akhruzzaman is reportedly being discussed for the role of chief whip.

None of the legislators involved publicly commented on the claims regarding a split. Their stated position is that they have gathered at the Assembly to select a Leader of the Opposition. The developments come a day after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reportedly met Amit Shah along with the Assembly Speaker, with political attention now focused on whether any formal steps are taken regarding the status of the legislative group.