In an unprecedented development in West Bengal politics, the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday officially recognised a 60-member dissident faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as the Opposition party. The decision was taken by Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose following a formal communication from the rebel MLAs.
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Assembly Secretary Soumendra Nath Das subsequently handed over the keys to the Leader of the Opposition’s chamber to Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay, who has been chosen as the leader of the newly recognised Opposition bloc.
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Addressing a press conference after assuming his new role, Ritabrata stated that while 58 MLAs have formally extended their support, two additional legislators have also pledged backing, effectively taking the group’s strength to 60. He hinted that the number could rise further in the coming days.
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He also announced his leadership team, naming Javed Khan, Sabina Yasmin, Sandipan Saha and Shiuli Saha as Deputy Leaders, while Akheruzzaman has been appointed Chief Whip.
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Outlining the group’s approach, Ritabrata said, “From today, we begin our journey as the Opposition party. We will play the role of a responsible opposition. We will oppose any wrong actions of the government both inside and outside the Assembly, but we will not oppose for the sake of opposition. If something beneficial is done, we will support it.”
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He added that the group would hold regular parliamentary meetings to decide its strategy on legislative matters.
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Despite the split, leaders of the faction asserted their continued allegiance to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Chief Whip Akheruzzaman said, “We will request her to play the role of TMC’s chief adviser. We will remain Trinamool MLAs, and there should be no confusion on this matter.”
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However, he also criticised the process surrounding the selection of the Leader of the Opposition, alleging that the views of several MLAs were ignored. “We were called twice to Kalighat, but our opinions were not considered. The manner in which signatures were forged on the resolution document is shameful,” he claimed.
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Ritabrata also made it clear that TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee will have no connection with the Trinamool legislative party from now on.
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The recognition of the rebel faction as the Opposition has added a new dimension to the ongoing political crisis within the TMC, raising questions about the party’s unity and the stability of the legislative set-up in the state.
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Further political developments are expected in the coming days.
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