Rittobrata Brings Arabul Into TMC: MLA Kasem Siddiqui Returns to Mamata Camp

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) witnessed two major political developments in West Bengal on Monday. The developments involved Amdanga MLA Kasem Siddiqui, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, former ISF MLA Arabul Islam and Rittobrata Banerjee.

Amdanga MLA Kasem Siddiqui claimed that he had gone with Rittobrata Banerjee to the Trinamool Congress, but his signature was allegedly misused. He said that he realised this only later. Siddiqui also made it clear that he continues to support Mamata Banerjee and remains with her.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh also made a demand regarding the controversy. He said that all TMC MLAs should be asked to vote through a secret ballot. According to Ghosh, such a vote would clearly show whether TMC MLAs are actually supporting Rittobrata for the post of Leader of the Opposition.

Another major development took place in the West Bengal Assembly. Former MLA Arabul Islam, who recently left the Indian Secular Front (ISF), came to the Assembly and joined the Trinamool Congress in the presence of Rittobrata.
Arabul said that the TMC leadership at Kalighat had not done anything for him earlier. However, he has now decided to return to the Trinamool camp.
Rittobrata said that Arabul and several other leaders had met him. He added that they would make every possible effort to maintain peace in the area.

The political development was followed by a fresh controversy in Bhangar.
On Monday, while Arabul was leaving the Bhangar-II BDO office, his car was allegedly targeted with bricks. Slogans were also reportedly raised.
Arabul alleged that ISF supporters attacked his vehicle, while the police remained silent during the incident. The allegations have added further tension between Arabul and his former party, the ISF.

The political fight also includes a separate allegation made by Rittobrata on Sunday.
Rittobrata alleged that the TMC government did not provide a government job to Rajat Das, the son of Ranjit Das, who was killed during the July 21, 1993 firing incident.
The Mamata Banerjee camp, however, rejected the allegation. The party said that Ranjit’s wife and elder son had been given government jobs.

The developments come at a time when there is a political debate within the TMC over Rittobrata’s position and support among party MLAs. Kasem Siddiqui’s statement, Kunal Ghosh’s demand for a secret ballot, Arabul Islam’s return to the TMC and the fresh clash involving ISF supporters have all added to the political tension.
The situation also highlights the continuing political contest in Bhangar, where the TMC and ISF have been involved in repeated political conflicts.