Kolkata: Following the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has faced the biggest crisis in its 28-year history. Revolting against Mamata Banerjee, 58 rebel MLAs of the party have chosen Ritabrata Banerjee as their new leader, who has been formally recognized as the Leader of the Opposition by the Assembly Speaker. Currently, only 22 MLAs remain with Mamata Banerjee. Dissatisfaction with the leadership of second-in-command Abhishek Banerjee is being cited as the biggest reason for this split.

3 Key Options for Mamata Banerjee to Save the Party:

Legal Battle (Court Challenge): Mamata Banerjee can challenge the Speaker's decision to appoint the rebel faction's Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition in court.

Expulsion of Rebels (Disqualification): She can expel all 58 rebel MLAs from the party, but doing so will reduce her strength in the Assembly to just 22, and the rebel faction can approach the Election Commission to claim the "original TMC" and the election symbol.

Reconciliation and Dialogue: She can compromise with the rebels, but this is the most difficult path because the rebel MLAs may demand the ouster of Abhishek Banerjee from the party.

Current Situation: The name, symbol, and political future of the Trinamool Congress now completely depend on Mamata Banerjee's next decision.