Fresh political turbulence has hit the ruling Trinamool Congress after expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee launched a series of allegations against the party leadership, claiming that the organisation has been "hijacked" and raising questions over alleged corruption in Uluberia.
Speaking to reporters outside the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, Ritabrata aimed at both the party and election strategist I-PAC, alleging that concerns he had repeatedly flagged were ignored.
His remarks came a day after he and Entally MLA Sandipan Saha were expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities.
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Sharp attack on Abhishek Banerjee
Ritabrata did not hold back while targeting Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Referring to a recent incident involving Abhishek, he said, "After staying away for 26 days, whether it was a public beating or being thrashed as a thief, whatever happened, he came out and said that the people would provide him security. If the people are the ones protecting him, why does he need central security? I am not the one being greeted with chants of 'thief, thief'."
The expelled MLA questioned why central security would be required if, as claimed, the public itself was providing protection.
Corruption charges against Uluberia municipality
Ritabrata alleged that corruption was deeply entrenched within the Uluberia Municipality and claimed he had previously raised these concerns with I-PAC.
According to him, complaints were made regarding municipal chairman Abhay Das. Ritabrata alleged that he was assured action would be taken against those involved.
He said, "I was told that action would be taken against Abhay Das and others. I was also asked not to say anything about Pulak Roy. I would request the government to look into these issues. A large nexus was operating. There should be an investigation into whose patronage allowed all this to continue. The entire party and the entire government have been hijacked."
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The MLA urged the government to investigate the allegations and determine who was allegedly backing the network he referred to.
‘Entire party has been hijacked’
Continuing his criticism, Ritabrata claimed that a single organisation had gained overwhelming influence over the party's functioning.
He said he had been speaking out against corruption from the very beginning but had seen little response to his concerns.
The remarks add to growing political chatter surrounding divisions within the Trinamool Congress following his expulsion.
Will more leaders join the revolt?
Amid speculation that more leaders could distance themselves from the party, Ritabrata refrained from making any claims about others joining his camp.
When asked whether the rebellion could grow, he said, "Apart from Sandipan and myself, I cannot take responsibility for anyone else."
His response suggested that, for now, he was speaking only for himself and fellow expelled MLA Sandipan Saha.
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Tapas Roy claims TMC has split into two camps
Adding to the debate, former Trinamool leader Tapas Roy also made strong remarks outside the Assembly. According to Roy, internal divisions within the party had become impossible to ignore.
He said, "The Trinamool Congress has been shattered. Its condition is pathetic. The party has split into two camps. In reality, this was inevitable. It was bound to happen."
The comments from both Ritabrata and Roy are likely to intensify discussions around the state of affairs within the ruling party as political tensions continue to rise in West Bengal.
