Asli Trinamool rebellion against Mamata in Bengal (Img: Dynamite News)
Kolkata: Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on Tuesday after suspended Trinamool Congress leader Riju Dutta claimed that around 50 MLAs were backing his faction, escalating the ongoing internal crisis within the party led by Mamata Banerjee.
Speaking to media, Dutta alleged that his group represented the “real Trinamool Congress” and compared the situation in Bengal to the Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra in 2022. He claimed that the faction had enough support to form a two-thirds majority in the Assembly.
‘Better Off Without Them’: Mamata Banerjee hits out at TMC rebels, targets BJP
“We are a two-thirds majority. Around 50 MLAs are with us,” Dutta said, adding that the group would seek recognition within the Assembly and also retain the party symbol.
The latest remarks come amid the growing “Signgate” controversy involving allegations of forged signatures in documents submitted to the West Bengal Assembly.
Big political turmoil in West Bengal! Suspended TMC leader Riju Dutta claims support of nearly 50 MLAs and says his faction is the “real TMC”, comparing the crisis to Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena split. #WestBengal #TMC #MamataBanerjee #BengalPolitics
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) June 2, 2026
The issue surfaced after expelled TMC MLAs Ritabrata Bandopadhyay and Sandipan Saha claimed their signatures were forged in official papers related to appointments of the Leader of the Opposition and the party’s chief whip after the 2026 Assembly elections.
The controversy has triggered a CID investigation and further exposed divisions within the party following its defeat in the Assembly polls.
On Monday, the Trinamool Congress expelled Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, accusing them of anti-party activities. The action came after reports that 61 out of 80 TMC MLAs skipped key party meetings.
The developments have fuelled speculation of a larger rebellion within the party ranks, with several leaders reportedly unhappy over the party’s functioning after the electoral setback.
Despite the growing rebellion, Mamata Banerjee has continued to attack the BJP, accusing it of attempting to engineer defections using pressure tactics and investigations by central agencies. The former chief minister has also announced protest programmes in Kolkata over alleged attacks on TMC leaders and workers.
