‘Will Perform As Principal Opposition’: 'Asli Trinamool' Takes Control Day After Speaker's Nod To Ritabrata As LoP
‘Will Perform As Principal Opposition’: 'Asli Trinamool' Takes Control Day After Speaker's Nod To Ritabrata As LoP Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 13:51
‘Will Perform As Principal Opposition’: 'Asli Trinamool' Takes Control Day After Speaker's Nod To Ritabrata As LoP Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 13:51 IST Expelled TMC MLA Sandipan Saha alleges fake signature row and lack of democracy in Trinamool Congress, vows to act as principal opposition. File image of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha. (Source: PTI) Expelled TMC MLA Sandipan Saha, while speaking to CNN-News18, alleged that a series of procedural irregularities inside the Trinamool Congress over the selection of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Chief Whip in the West Bengal Assembly triggered growing dissent among a section of MLAs. The expelled MLA further asserted that the faction would now function as the “principal opposition" in the Assembly following the appointment of Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition. ‘Rules Not Followed’: Saha On Fake Signature Row He said the controversy started when MLAs were asked to sign a register that, according to him, did not contain signatures but only names written in capital letters. Saha claimed this document was later converted into a “general resolution" and forwarded to the Speaker by TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, proposing the appointment of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition, and Firhad Hakim as Chief Whip.
Expelled TMC MLA Sandipan Saha speaks exclusively to CNN-News18’s Anand Narasimhan (@AnchorAnandN) and reveals the details of the forgery controversy, one of the many trigger points of internal tensions within TMC#TMC He further alleged that once the matter came to light, several MLAs felt the rules had not been followed and submitted a complaint to the Speaker, prompting an inquiry. According to Saha, the inquiry reportedly found that names included in the resolution belonged to MLAs who were not present at the meeting. Also Read: ‘Chief Adviser And Guide’: Has Mamata Lost The Trinamool Congress Party She Had Built? “We thought the rules were not followed, so we lodged a complaint to the Speaker. The Speaker called for an inquiry," he said, adding that the findings led a section of MLAs to distance themselves from the process. Saha claimed that dissatisfaction spread further among MLAs, eventually leading to a collective decision by 58 MLAs to propose Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition, which he described as a unanimous stand within the group. On Standing Ovation To Abhishek Banerjee He also referred to an earlier point of tension, alleging that discontent started when party chief Mamata Banerjee asked MLAs to give a standing ovation to Abhishek Banerjee in a meeting held at her house.
“I think rebellion transpired from there, then the signature incident happened," he said. Also Read: TMC Rebellion’s Next Stop May Be Lok Sabha In Direct Challenge To Abhishek Banerjee The TMC MLA further alleged that senior leaders were “snubbed" by Abhishek Banerjee and questioned internal democratic functioning within the party. ‘Will Perform As Principal Opposition’ “Democracy was missing in Trinamool Congress," he said, adding that “the purpose with which this party started has changed." Despite the internal differences, Saha said the group would continue to function as the “principal opposition" in the Assembly and dismissed suggestions of switching sides. “We will perform as principal opposition," Saha said. Responding to calls from Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, he said, “We are Trinamool, and we will remain Trinamool." Also Read: Heir Apparent To Liability? Why Revolt In TMC Is About Abhishek Banerjee, Not Mamata Cracks Within TMC Since its sweeping defeat in the Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress has been grappling with deepening internal turmoil, as emerging factions within the party appear increasingly at odds, fuelling speculation of an eventual split. The cracks within the Trinamool Congress became evident when 60 of its 80 MLAs skipped a meeting convened by party chief Mamata Banerjee at her residence on Sunday.
On Wednesday, expelled rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee staked claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition by submitting letters of support from 58 party MLAs, amid widening cracks in TMC. He also claimed that two more MLAs were set to back him, potentially taking his support base to 60. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Prisha Vibhavari Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st... Read More First Published: June 04, 2026, 13:47 IST News india ‘Will Perform As Principal Opposition’: 'Asli Trinamool' Takes Control Day After Speaker's Nod To Ritabrata As LoP Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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