Kolkata: The rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the West Bengal assembly claimed to have strengthened its position on Friday, with Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee asserting that six more MLAs had joined their camp, taking the total strength to 64 legislators. Banerjee suggested that a floor test could be ordered to verify their support.
Rebel MLAs Submit List to Speaker
"Just as rebel MPs submitted their list to the Lok Sabha Speaker in Parliament, the rebel TMC MLAs have also submitted their list to the assembly speaker. The number of MLAs with us currently stands at 64. If the speaker feels it is necessary, he can order a floor test. We will prove our strength," Banerjee said.
Hint of Further Exodus
Hinting at further defections from the TMC, Banerjee's remarks came after the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected MLAs, Debangshu Panda of BJP from Falta and Swati Khandokar of TMC from Chanditala, in the assembly. "Whether the number increases or not, we will know by Monday or Tuesday," Banerjee said, declining to comment on individual legislators. There has been mounting speculation over TMC senior and former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim after his recent interaction with Banerjee and Sandipan Saha.
Internal Grievances Surface
Banerjee's claims also come against the backdrop of several Trinamool MLAs publicly voicing grievances against the party leadership. Maheshtala MLA Ashok Deb, who had remained seen alongside TMC chief Mamata Banerjee even after the poll debacle, launched a scathing attack on the leadership's decision-making process.
"Didi acts on her own wishes. Given the current state of the party, it would have been appropriate to discuss the matter with everyone before deciding on the post of party president. She appointed someone president without consulting us. I came across the decision through the media. Someone who cannot win on her own, how can she run the party?" Deb said, in an apparent reference to Chandrima Bhattacharya's appointment.
Measured Stance from Minister
Amid the escalating legal and political confrontation, Bengal industries minister Tapas Roy adopted a measured stance. "Whatever the two speakers decide will be final. There is no room for further debate," he said. Roy also took aim at the TMC leadership over its "political bankruptcy." He referred to Saayoni Ghosh avoiding the media upon her return to Kolkata, Kalyan Banerjee's repeated public ultimatums to the party leadership, and Abhishek Banerjee's ongoing legal troubles.
The veteran politician also took a swipe at his former party, Congress, amid speculation over a possible Cong-TMC understanding. "Congress ruined itself in the past. If the current Congress wants to court further disaster by aligning with TMC, they are free to do so," Roy said.
