TMC Moves to Contain Dissent: Party Reaches Out to Rebel MLAs Before Meet

Kolkata: There is a huge uproar in the politics of West Bengal at present. After the assembly elections, resentment is increasing within the Trinamool Congress. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself has come forward to handle the situation. Party sources say that Mamata directly called many angry MLAs and appealed to them to return to the party. On Friday, she has called an important meeting of MLAs at his residence in Kalighat. Mamta wants more and more MLAs to come to this meeting. But it is not clear how many MLAs of the rebel group will attend the meeting.

Why did Mamata Banerjee call the meeting of MLAs?

Factionalism within the party has intensified. The number of rebel MLAs is increasing. For this reason, Mamata Banerjee has called a meeting of the legislature party in Kalighat on Friday. According to sources, Mamata herself has called and asked the MLAs to come to the meeting. The leadership fears that if the rebellion is not stopped, the party will weaken in the assembly. That's why Mamata herself is busy handling the situation.

How did Trinamool's problems increase?

Recently 58 rebel MLAs came together. They captured the Trinamool Legislative Party in the Assembly. After this, MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, who was expelled from the party, was elected Leader of Opposition. Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose also approved this decision. The rebel group gained strength as soon as it got the status of Leader of Opposition. This has further increased the problems of the party leadership.

Are rebel MLAs angry with Abhishek Banerjee?

There is news inside the party that the rebel MLAs are not ready to accept Abhishek Banerjee as the leader. They are angry with their neglect in the organisation. He says that only a few selected people are taking decisions. Even before this, many MLAs had stayed away from the meetings called by Mamata Banerjee. The rebel group is openly saying that they are not being listened to by the current leadership.

What did Ritabrata Banerjee do after becoming the Leader of Opposition?

On Thursday, the very next day after becoming the Leader of Opposition, Ritabrata Banerjee held a meeting with 58 of his supporting MLAs. Further strategy was discussed in this meeting. The rebel group made it clear that now they will present their views strongly in the House also. This meeting shows that the rebel camp is not ready to retreat.

What options are left for Mamata Banerjee now?

According to experts, Mamta has two options. First, she can challenge the decision of the Assembly Speaker in the court. The Speaker has considered Ritabrata as the Leader of Opposition. Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee has also indicated to go to court. The other way is to expel the rebel MLAs from the party. But this will reduce Trinamool's numbers in the assembly. The party may also lose the status of the main opposition party. Therefore, it is not easy for Mamata to take a decision.

Can the rebel group claim the name and symbol of the party?

If the rebel MLAs are expelled from the party then they can go to the Election Commission. There they can call themselves the real Trinamool Congress. Then one can claim the party name and election symbol. In such a situation, the Election Commission will listen to all the parties.

The Commission will not just look at the count of MLAs. He will also look at the support of MPs, the structure of the organisation and the opinion of party officials. Only after this will it be decided who is the real Trinamool Congress.

What did the president say on the removal of Ritabrata Banerjee?

Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose said that the method of removing Ritabrata Banerjee from the party was wrong. According to the rules, it is necessary to give show cause notice before removing an MLA. He also has to give full time to answer. This did not happen in Ritbrata's case. Therefore his dismissal cannot be considered correct.