CM Suvendu Adhikari to Opposition: Resolve Your LoP Dispute First

Confusion over the leadership of the Opposition resurfaced in the West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday, briefly disrupting proceedings during the discussion on the Home Department's budget.

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The controversy erupted when Shovandeb Chattopadhyay, recognised by the Kalighat faction of the Trinamool Congress as the Leader of the Opposition, stood up to participate in the debate but was asked to resume his seat before delivering his remarks.

The dispute stems from competing claims over the post of Leader of the Opposition. While the Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction backs Shovandeb Chattopadhyay for the role, the rival Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay faction has projected Ritabrata

Bandyopadhyay as its leader. The parallel claims have reportedly led to repeated confusion over the submission of speakers' lists during the ongoing Assembly session.

Raising the issue in the House, Kaliganj MLA Alifa Ahmed alleged that the names of speakers submitted by her faction were being removed from the official list, affecting members' opportunities to participate in debates. She argued that legislators require prior notice of their speaking schedule for the smooth functioning of Assembly business and urged the Chief Minister to intervene.

Responding to the matter, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the Assembly includes several Opposition parties, including the Kalighat faction, CPI(M), Congress and the ISF, and that speaking time must be distributed fairly among them.

Recalling his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, Adhikari said the Opposition Chief Whip traditionally coordinates the allocation of speaking time. Taking a swipe at the divided Opposition, he remarked, "You should resolve your internal disputes yourselves. The Chief Minister or the House is not here to settle your differences. Settle your issues internally and allow the Assembly to function smoothly."

The exchange led to brief political sparring before the House resumed discussion on the Home Department's budget.