West Bengal Political Row: Ritabrata Banerjee Seeks Floor Test, Says 'We Have the Numbers'

Amid the ongoing turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), expelled party leader Ritabrata Banerjee on Tuesday backed calls for a floor test in the West Bengal Assembly, saying it would put an end to speculation surrounding the state's shifting political equations.

"My point is that there are 80 MLAs. Let there be a floor test. Let those who are making such claims prove their numbers. We have the numbers," Banerjee said. He added that if the Speaker deemed it necessary, a floor test should be conducted to ascertain the actual strength of legislators and bring clarity to the current political uncertainty.

The remarks come amid a deepening crisis within the TMC. Earlier this month, Banerjee staked claim to the position of Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, asserting support from 58 MLAs. Soon after, TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar publicly expressed support for breaking away from the party, claiming that 19 other MPs were prepared to join her in backing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The rebel faction further escalated the political drama on Sunday by informing Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla that 20 TMC MPs had merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a little-known political outfit formed in 2022. The move is being seen as an attempt to formalise the group's support for the NDA and could potentially mark one of the biggest defections in India's parliamentary history.

TMC Crisis: Key Developments

Speaker to hear both sides

According to reports, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will take a decision on the rebel MPs only after hearing both factions. Sources said the Speaker's office has invited the Mamata Banerjee-led group of TMC MPs for discussions before any ruling is made on the matter.

Rebels announce merger with NCPI

The 20 rebel MPs informed the Speaker that they had merged with the NCPI and would support the NDA. "We, 20 MPs, have now merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party and will work with the NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah," rebel leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar reportedly said after meeting Birla.

What is NCPI?