“50 MLAs Backing Alternative Camp”: Riju Dutta’s Explosive Claim Triggers Fresh Turmoil Inside TMC
A fresh round of political uncertainty has emerged within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after suspended party leader Riju Dutta alleged that a sizeable group of legislators is rallying behind expelled MLA Ritabrata Bandopadhyay, potentially setting the stage for a major internal confrontation.
Dutta claimed that nearly 50 lawmakers are sympathetic to a separate faction within the party and suggested that efforts are underway to challenge the existing leadership structure.
According to him, a series of meetings involving legislators were recently held at different locations in Kolkata, where discussions reportedly centered on the future direction of the party and its leadership in the Assembly.
Speaking about the alleged developments, Dutta claimed that the group intends to seek official recognition from the Assembly Speaker while also pushing for Ritabrata Bandopadhyay to be considered for the post of Leader of the Opposition.
“The Shiv Sena Maharashtra model is currently in effect in Bengal,” Dutta said while drawing comparisons with political realignments witnessed in Maharashtra.
The remarks have added fuel to speculation that dissatisfaction may be growing among sections of the party following its recent electoral setbacks.
Dutta also targeted TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, alleging that several leaders inducted under his leadership had failed the party at a critical juncture.
He further claimed that resentment against Abhishek Banerjee was wider than publicly acknowledged and suggested that the scale of internal dissatisfaction had been underestimated by the party's top leadership.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the Trinamool Congress, which has already been grappling with internal disputes following the expulsion of MLAs Ritabrata Bandopadhyay and Sandipan Saha.
The party had announced disciplinary action against both leaders, accusing them of engaging in activities detrimental to the organisation's interests. TMC leadership also alleged that the two legislators repeatedly stayed away from official party meetings despite being elected on the party's ticket.
