• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Ritabrata Banerjee claims support of 64 dissident TMC MLAs.
  2. Challenges Speaker to order a floor test to prove strength.
  3. Criticizes TMC's "monopolistic politics" and internal control.

West Bengal: Amid a deepening rift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Ritabrata Banerjee, leader of the party's rebel faction, on Friday claimed that 64 dissident MLAs, representing over two-thirds of the TMC's legislative strength, have submitted their names to the Assembly Speaker.

Banerjee stated that if the Speaker feels it necessary, a floor test should be ordered. "We will prove our strength in how many MLAs are with us," he said, while hinting that the size of the dissident camp may increase further in the coming days.

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Ritabrata Slams TMC's 'Monopolistic Politics'

Citing his legislative track record, Banerjee said that he has participated in 275 parliamentary debates and raised 823 questions. However, he did not ask any questions during the last session.

He further levelled allegations against the party leadership, alleging that he was strictly instructed to only raise questions from Abhishek Banerjee's office. He claimed that a 'Point of Contact' (PoC) was assigned to constantly monitor him.

The former TMC Rajya Sabha MP warned that if the questioning process continues to be controlled in this manner, it will be difficult to establish accountability in case of any 'cash-for-query' controversy in the future.

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Terming the party's current functioning as 'monopolistic politics of the prince', a direct swipe at Abhisheek Banerjee, he said that the growing internal dissatisfaction will drive more leaders toward the rebel camp in the coming days.

Launching a scathing attack on the party's top brass, Banerjee accused them of a 'fascist mindset' and creating a 'suffocating atmosphere' within the organisation. Banerjee further stated that the current rebellion is not the result of any political ambition, but a fight for 'freedom from slavery'.

(With Inputs From Jagran.com And PTI)


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