Rift Deepens in Ritabrata Camp as Rebel MLAs Reaffirm Support for Mamata Banerjee

MP, 5 June 2026, Kolkata : Barely 24 hours after expelled Trinamool leader Ritabrata Banerjee projected strength by securing the support of 58 MLAs and claiming his faction represented the “real Trinamool” in the Assembly, signs of differences have begun emerging within the rebel camp.

Panchla MLA Gulshan Mallick has publicly objected to suggestions that Mamata Banerjee should be reduced to the role of “adviser” or “mentor” of the party.

“Mamata Banerjee is our leader. We cannot accept any attempt to describe her merely as a guide. She remains our sole leader,” Mallick said.

“If Mamata Banerjee is not accepted as the supreme leader, then we will have to think whether we should remain in this bloc or not,” the Panchla MLA added.

Sitai MLA Sangeeta Roy Basunia echoed the sentiment, stressing that Mamata’s authority remains unquestioned.

“Mamata Banerjee is our supreme leader and will remain so. She cannot be an adviser. She is our leader,” she said.

She also added she has no problem in accepting Abhishek Banerjee as their leader, an idea rejected by most of the rebel group members.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra launched a scathing attack on rebel MLAs led by Ritabrata Banerjee, accusing them of betraying the mandate of the people and weakening the party founded by Mamata Banerjee.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil following the split in the Trinamool Congress, Moitra asserted that the legislators who crossed over had no independent electoral appeal and were elected solely because of Mamata Banerjee’s popularity.

Beyond the immediate power struggle, the rebellion has exposed a growing disconnect between the party organisation and its elected representatives, raising broader questions about leadership, succession and the future trajectory of a party that has dominated Bengal politics for more than a decade.

Meanwhile, political analysts felt that whether the dissidents can continue balancing opposition to Abhishek Banerjee with loyalty to Mamata Banerjee is likely to determine the future course of the movement.