- TMC MLAs arrive at assembly amid claims of support.
- Ritabrata faction claims backing of 60 TMC legislators.
- Legislators visit assembly for ‘personal work’ amid speculation.
- Speaker returns to Kolkata as political activity intensifies.
Political developments gathered pace in West Bengal on Wednesday as several Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators arrived at the state Assembly amid claims by the Ritabrata faction that it has the support of a significant number of MLAs.
Ritabrata and Sandipan Saha were among those who reached the Assembly premises, with leaders associated with the camp claiming that they currently enjoy the backing of 60 TMC legislators.
This comes as TMC appears to be heading for a split, with several legislators reportedly backing expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee for the post of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly.
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MLAs Arrive Amid Speculation
TMC legislators were seen arriving at the Assembly one after another. However, most avoided commenting on the purpose of their visit, saying only that they had “some work” at the Assembly, sources said.
Speaking briefly to reporters before entering the premises, TMC MLA Mustafizur Rahman said, “I don’t know. I am going for some personal work. I will tell you after coming out.”
When asked about reports of signatures being collected, Rahman remarked, “My signature is also there. Now the number has become 59.”
His statement further fuelled speculation regarding the support being claimed by the Ritabrata camp.
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Speaker Returns To Kolkata
The developments come a day after West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose held a courtesy meeting with the Prime Minister.
Sources said the Speaker was not in Kolkata on Monday but returned to the city on Tuesday as political activity intensified around the Assembly.
Support Claims Yet To Be Independently Verified
While the Ritabrata faction has claimed the support of 60 legislators, there has been no official confirmation regarding the exact number of MLAs backing the group.
The purpose of the legislators’ visits and the nature of the signatures being referred to by some lawmakers also remained unclear at the time of filing this report.
Further political developments are awaited as meetings and consultations continue at the Assembly.
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Before You Go
POLITICAL CLAIM: Rebel Camp Says 52 MLAs Needed to Survive Anti-Defection Law
Input By : Bijendra Singh
