Political tensions within West Bengal's ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Tuesday after suspended party leader Riju Dutta claimed that around 50 MLAs are united and capable of forming a two-thirds majority in the state Assembly.

His remarks have added fresh uncertainty to the future of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, which is already facing internal turmoil following a major electoral setback against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Dutta Links Bengal Situation to Maharashtra Political Crisis

Speaking to ANI, Dutta discussed the ongoing "signature scandal" or "Signgate," which is currently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The controversy began after expelled TMC legislators Ritabrata Bandopadhyay and Sandipan Saha alleged that their signatures had been forged on documents submitted to the West Bengal Assembly.

Dutta said some party leaders planned to meet the Assembly Speaker later in the day to present their concerns. Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra's political developments in 2022, Dutta claimed a similar situation was unfolding in West Bengal.

“We are a two-thirds majority. Around 50 MLAs are with us. Since we are the real Trinamool Congress, the Leader of the Opposition will be Ritabrata Bandopadhyay, and not Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay,” Dutta said.

He further argued that if the group commands majority support among TMC legislators, it should also retain control of the party symbol. According to Dutta, the “Shiv Sena Maharashtra model” is now playing out in Bengal.

Reference to Maharashtra's Shiv Sena Split

Dutta's comments appeared to refer to the dramatic split within Shiv Sena in 2022. At that time, a rebellion led by Eknath Shinde resulted in the collapse of the government headed by Uddhav Thackeray. The split also triggered a battle over the party name and symbol.

Eventually, the Shinde faction secured recognition due to its majority support among legislators in the Maharashtra Assembly. Dutta suggested that a similar scenario could emerge within the Trinamool Congress if enough MLAs back the dissident camp.

Mamata Banerjee Pushes Back

Despite the growing internal conflict, Mamata Banerjee has continued to challenge her opponents and defend her party's position. The TMC chief planned a protest on Tuesday over an alleged attack on her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, signalling that the party leadership remains focused on countering both internal and external challenges.

Signature Scandal Exposes Internal Divisions

Dutta's comments are the latest sign of a widening split within the Trinamool Congress. On Monday, the party expelled Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Bandopadhyay after 61 of its 80 MLAs reportedly skipped important party meetings. The party accused the two leaders and their supporters of engaging in anti-party activities.

However, the expulsions sparked further controversy because they came shortly after the legislators publicly questioned the authenticity of signatures used in Assembly documents.

The disputed documents reportedly related to the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition and the party's chief whip following the 2026 Assembly elections, which the TMC lost.

CID Probe Underway

The alleged forgery claims have now become the focus of a CID investigation. Several party leaders remain under scrutiny as investigators examine the documents and the circumstances surrounding their submission to the Assembly.

The outcome of the probe could have major political consequences for the Trinamool Congress as it attempts to contain a growing rebellion within its ranks.

Uncertain Road Ahead for TMC

The dispute has exposed deep divisions within the party at a critical time. Claims of support from 50 MLAs, allegations of forged signatures, expulsions of legislators and an ongoing CID investigation have combined to create one of the biggest internal crises faced by the Trinamool Congress in recent years.

Whether the dissenting group can translate its claims into political action remains unclear. However, the unfolding developments have raised fresh questions about the stability of the party and the future of Mamata Banerjee's leadership in West Bengal.