West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari claimed the complaints came directly from the two Trinamool legislators, intensifying the political confrontation between the BJP and TMC.
BY PC Bureau
June 1, 2026: Political tensions in West Bengal intensified sharply on Monday after the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) expelled two of its MLAs amid an explosive controversy over alleged forgery of legislators’ signatures in a letter endorsing senior party leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.
The controversy has further exposed growing internal divisions within the Trinamool Congress following the party’s devastating electoral setback and mounting discontent among sections of its leadership.
Leader of Opposition and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday publicly named two Trinamool MLAs — Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha — who had allegedly complained that their signatures were forged in documents submitted to support Chattopadhyay’s appointment.
Shortly after the allegations surfaced, the Trinamool Congress announced the expulsion of both MLAs from the party, accusing them of “anti-party activities” and repeatedly skipping organisational meetings.
Trinamool Expels Two MLAs
In an official communication signed by Trinamool vice-president Chandrima Bhattacharya, the party stated that Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha had repeatedly acted against party interests and made statements detrimental to the organisation.
“After due consideration of the matter, the competent authority of the AITC has decided to expel you from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect,” the letter stated.
The move is being seen by political observers as a strong attempt by the party leadership to contain dissent and prevent further erosion of internal unity at a time when the Trinamool is struggling to maintain cohesion after losing power in the state.
Suvendu Adhikari Escalates Attack
Addressing reporters earlier in the day, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the controversy demonstrated how corruption and manipulation within the Trinamool had now begun affecting even its own lawmakers.
“Trinamool’s corruption did not just target the people of Bengal but also its own MLAs. Trinamool stole its own MLAs’ signatures,” Adhikari claimed.
He further asserted that the complaints regarding forged signatures had come directly from the two Trinamool legislators themselves and insisted that the BJP had no involvement in the matter.
The allegations have added a dramatic new dimension to the intensifying political confrontation between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.
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CID Probe Intensifies
The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the alleged signature forgery case.
Sources indicate that notices have already been served to several Trinamool leaders as part of the inquiry. The investigation has reportedly reached senior levels within the party hierarchy.
According to reports, senior Trinamool leader and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was also summoned by the CID for questioning on Monday. However, sources suggest he is unlikely to appear before investigators immediately.
The controversy deepened further after expelled MLA Sandipan Saha directly questioned Abhishek Banerjee’s role in the matter.
“Submitting the signatures of those who weren’t there was a huge blunder,” Saha told reporters. “Abhishek Banerjee’s name is coming up because he signed the list of MLAs as the General Secretary. That list itself had so many mistakes. Questions will definitely fall on Abhishek Banerjee because it was his responsibility.”
The remarks have intensified speculation regarding internal factionalism and accountability battles within the party leadership.
Signs of Growing Cracks Within Trinamool
The signature controversy comes at a politically sensitive moment for the Trinamool Congress, which has been facing growing organisational stress after losing power in West Bengal.
Several leaders and legislators have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning, candidate selection, and internal leadership structure in recent weeks.
Political analysts believe the latest developments reveal widening cracks between different factions within the party, particularly between leaders aligned with Abhishek Banerjee and those considered closer to the older guard loyal to Mamata Banerjee.
The expulsion of the two MLAs is also being viewed as an effort by the party leadership to send a strong message against public dissent at a time when defections and internal rebellion remain a serious concern.
Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Intimidation
Responding to the controversy, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the Trinamool Congress by intimidating its elected representatives.
Speaking at a party meeting, Banerjee claimed that several Trinamool MLAs had been threatened by police officials ahead of attending internal party discussions.
“Four of my elected MLAs complained to me that they were threatened by the police over the phone before they came for the meeting,” she alleged.
The BJP has rejected the allegations.
Political Uncertainty Deepens
The signature forgery controversy has now evolved into a larger political crisis for the Trinamool Congress, with investigations underway, senior leaders facing scrutiny, and factional tensions increasingly spilling into the public domain.
Analysts believe the episode could significantly impact the party’s efforts to regroup after its electoral defeat, particularly if more lawmakers begin openly challenging the leadership.
For now, the controversy has further intensified Bengal’s already volatile political climate, with both the BJP and the Trinamool preparing for an increasingly bitter confrontation in the months ahead.
