tmc-in-opposition-after-15-yrs-names-sobhandeb-as-lop

The tables have turned, and now, after 15 years in power, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is formally in the opposition in West Bengal, marking a significant political shift following the BJP’s decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.

 

On Saturday, the TMC announced its leadership structure in the Assembly. Ballygunge MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition. Senior leaders Asima Patra and Naina Banerjee have been named deputy leaders in the House.

 

This transition marks a reversal of roles for Adhikari, who had served as Leader of Opposition after the 2021 Assembly elections. Now, a senior TMC leader steps into that position as the party prepares to take on its new responsibilities from the opposition benches.

 

The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the presence of Narendra Modi, along with several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, underlining the political significance of the power shift in Bengal.

 

The results of the Assembly elections, declared on May 4, saw the BJP secure a commanding mandate, winning 207 out of 293 seats, while the Trinamool Congress was reduced to 80 seats.

 

A key electoral battle unfolded in Bhabanipur, where Adhikari contested against former Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. While Adhikari had already secured victory in Nandigram on counting day, the Bhabanipur result was delayed amid complaints raised by the Trinamool regarding alleged irregularities. After counting resumed following a temporary halt, Adhikari emerged victorious by a margin of over 15,000 votes.

 

Following the results, Banerjee alleged discrepancies in the counting process and accused both the BJP-led central government and the Election Commission of wrongdoing. Maintaining that she had not lost fairly, she initially refused to step down as Chief Minister.

 

However, in a subsequent development on Thursday, the Governor dissolved the Legislative Assembly, paving the way for the formation of the new government. The BJP administration was officially sworn in on Saturday, ushering in a new political chapter in West Bengal, with the Trinamool Congress now set to function as the principal opposition force in the state.