"Forged-signature of MLAs - A Scam" ::: West Bengal story .... Bravado has a limitation :::: Only six TMC MLAs attend rally ::::: Maharashtra model in Bengal-buzz !!

It's next round of battle of nerves between two formidable colleagues-turned-rivals CM Suvendu Adhikari and his predecessor Mamata Banerjee.

Maharashtra model in Bengal-buzz  !!

All eyes are now on what happens between them and around them.

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, June 2, dared the state government to arrest her, declaring that the party's protest would go ahead even without police permission, microphones or a stage. 

But she left the protest venue when reports last came in.   

Meanwhile, the West Bengal forged-signature row has snowballed after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 

:: the probe stemmed from complaints by two TMC MLAs, who were later expelled. 

The crisis deepened further as the CID revisited Abhishek Banerjee's residence and claimed more legislators had disputed their signatures. 

Only six TMC MLAs attend rally as party announces key Assembly appointments

Only six MLAs, including senior legislators Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Nayana Bandyopadhyay, Madan Mitra, Ashok Deb and Ashima Patra were present. 

Chandrima Bhattacharya, who lost the elections from Dum Dum (Uttar) to Sourav Sikdar of BJP in the 2026 Assembly election, also came. 

TMC MPs Dola Sen, Kalyan Banerjee and Derek O'Brien were also present. 

In a parallel organisational reshuffle, the All India Trinamool Congress announced key appointments for its legislative wing in the West Bengal Assembly. 

Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay was named Leader of the Opposition, while Ashima Patra and Nayana Bandyopadhyay were appointed Deputy Leaders of the Opposition.

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim was appointed Chief Whip in the Assembly as the party moved to strengthen its legislative team.  

A delegation, led by TMC MLAs Kunal Ghosh and Ashima Patra, went to the Speaker's office on Tuesday. However, Ghosh alleged that the delegation went to submit a letter to the principal secretary. However, he refused to meet.  

Addressing the crowd Mamata said, "The BJP president used to call me several times, seeking help. 

But I never told this to the media. I have good relations with all political parties except the BJP. 

But I have helped the BJP whenever they sought help; I have helped them in their bad days. I even called them up personally. I am here and shall be here."

Will Trinamool Congress meet the same fate as Shiv Sena in 2022 ?

Rebellion within a party after an election loss is not unusual; but the speed of the turmoil within the TMC suggests a split may be imminent. 

At the heart of the buzz is the forged signature row linked to the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. 

The TMC was quick to expel two MLAs over the issue. But the move appears to have deepened the crisis as the expelled MLAs - 

Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha - later held a late-night, secret meeting with some legislators. 

The majority of MLAs were absent from a scheduled meeting at Mamata Banerjee's house. Some are openly speaking out against the leadership, while others are being expelled for engaging in anti-party activities.  

Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh said -- "It is possible that an attempt is being made to split the party. However, I do not wish to hold the BJP responsible for this; instead, I hold these individuals accountable. They are opportunists". 

ends