CID probe into alleged forged signatures intensifies as expelled legislators raise questions over party leadership’s role
The political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress deepened on Monday as the party expelled two of its MLAs amid an escalating controversy over alleged forged signatures in a letter supporting Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay‘s appointment as the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.
The development comes at a time when the party is grappling with internal dissent and growing scrutiny following its defeat in the recent Assembly elections.
Suvendu Adhikari raises forgery allegations
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari intensified the controversy by naming two Trinamool legislators — Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha — who allegedly complained that their signatures had been forged on a letter endorsing Chattopadhyay as Leader of Opposition.
Addressing reporters, Adhikari accused the Trinamool of misconduct within its own ranks.
“Trinamool’s corruption did not just target the people of Bengal but also its own MLAs. Trinamool stole its own MLAs’ signatures,” he claimed.
According to Adhikari, the complaints were made directly by the two MLAs and had no connection with the BJP.
Trinamool expels two legislators
Soon after the allegations surfaced, the Trinamool Congress expelled Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha from the party.
A communication issued by Trinamool vice-president Chandrima Bhattacharya stated that both legislators had repeatedly skipped party meetings and engaged in activities deemed detrimental to the party’s interests.
The letter further alleged that the MLAs had made statements that harmed the party’s image and interests, prompting disciplinary action with immediate effect.
CID probe gathers pace
The alleged signature forgery case is currently under investigation by the West Bengal CID.
Several Trinamool leaders have already been served notices in connection with the probe. The investigation has also reached senior party leadership, with Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee being summoned for questioning.
However, reports indicate that Banerjee is unlikely to appear before investigators on the scheduled date.
Sandipan Saha questions Abhishek Banerjee’s role
Following his expulsion, Sandipan Saha publicly questioned Abhishek Banerjee’s handling of the matter.
Speaking to ANI, Saha claimed that submitting signatures of legislators who were not present was a serious mistake and pointed to Abhishek Banerjee’s responsibility as the party’s general secretary.
He stated that questions would naturally arise regarding Banerjee’s role because the list of MLAs carried his approval and allegedly contained multiple discrepancies.
Internal tensions continue to grow
The controversy has further exposed divisions within the Trinamool Congress, which has witnessed increasing dissatisfaction among its leaders since losing power in the state.
Several party figures have openly criticised the organisation’s functioning, while concerns about defections and internal rebellion continue to mount.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to weaken the party by intimidating elected representatives.
She alleged that several Trinamool MLAs had informed her that they received threatening phone calls from police officials before attending a party meeting.
The latest developments have intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with the signature forgery investigation now emerging as a major flashpoint between the ruling BJP government and the opposition Trinamool Congress.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
