Ritabrata Banerjee is set to take up the role of Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly after a split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The Hindu reports that Banerjee is handed the keys to the Leader of Opposition chamber and says he has the support of 58 TMC MLAs, adding that he appeals to Mamata Banerjee to continue as a key adviser to the TMC legislative party. News18 India reports that Banerjee visits the Assembly and meets the Speaker, claiming support from 59 legislators from the 80 TMC MLAs present in the House.
Both accounts describe the development as a shift in opposition leadership taking shape within the TMC ranks rather than a change involving another party. The reports also emphasize Banerjee’s engagement with Assembly procedures, including his meeting with the Speaker, and his assertion that a clear bloc in the TMC caucus supports his claim to the opposition role. The exact final count may depend on Assembly verification, but both outlets agree on Banerjee’s move toward the LoP position amid internal party divisions.
