Ritabrata Banerjee, a TMC MLA, has emerged as the central figure in the ongoing infighting in Trinamool Congress, which may lead to a split in the party. He enjoys the backing of a majority of TMC MLAs to become the state assembly LoP. Banerjee was expelled by the party on Monday for 'anti-party activities' along with Sandipan Saha. The infighting started over a forged signature scandal in the party dubbed 'signgate.'
Banerjee, a former CPI(M) MP, was expelled from CPI(M) in 2017 for anti-party activities and later joined TMC. He was sent to Rajya Sabha in 2024 by the party for 15 months. The rebel MLAs, led by Banerjee, have staked claim as the main opposition party in the state assembly with 59 MLAs. Several of these MLAs face probes by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.
Banerjee has criticized the party leadership for 'losing touch' at the grassroots level and has proposed a new leadership structure for the legislature party, with himself as the leader and Akhruzzaman as the chief whip.
