Ritabrata Banerjee Confirmed as West Bengal Opposition Leader by Calcutta High Court

A single‑judge bench of the Calcutta High Court refused to stay the West Bengal Assembly Speaker’s decision and upheld Ritabrata Banerjee’s appointment as the Leader of the Opposition. The judgment rejects an interim order sought by the minority Trinamool Congress bloc that had tried to name Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.

The ruling highlights growing factionalism within the Trinamool Congress, challenging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s control of the party. The court also noted a Criminal Investigation Department probe into alleged signature mismatches on the minority bloc’s resolution. A further hearing is set for July 28. Analysts say the decision could affect the party’s unity and its prospects in upcoming elections.