TMC expels MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha over anti-party activities

In an official statement, the party said both leaders failed to attend a meeting held on Sunday at TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence in Kolkata. The party further alleged that the two MLAs had made statements “prejudicial to the interests” of the organisation.

“After due consideration, the competent authority of the AITC has decided to expel you from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect. Consequently, you shall cease to hold any position, responsibility or privilege associated with the party,” the statement said.

The expulsion comes amid reports of internal unease within the party following the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, where discussions over organisational decisions have intensified.

Sandipan Saha, son of former TMC MLA Swarna Kamal Saha, represents the Entally constituency, while Ritabrata Banerjee, a former Rajya Sabha MP who joined the TMC in 2017 after leaving the Communist Party of India (Marxist), represents Uluberia East. Both leaders had secured significant victory margins in the recent state elections.

Notably, both MLAs were among around 60 legislators who did not attend Sunday’s meeting. Following the action, Sandipan Saha defended his stance, claiming that the meeting was convened without proper procedural adherence. He also raised questions regarding alleged discrepancies in party resolutions, including claims related to “fake signatures” and procedural lapses, and sought clarity from senior party leadership.

He further argued that earlier resolutions regarding key legislative positions had not followed due process before being submitted, questioning the validity of the recent internal decisions and the manner in which the meeting was convened.