kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, May 22: The West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Friday as tensions escalated over the recognition of the Leader of the Opposition and the continued closure of the designated office chamber, triggering a protest by ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators.

The controversy intensified after the opposition leader’s room inside the Assembly remained locked beyond the expected timeline, prompting around 18 TMC MLAs to stage a sit-in protest in the lobby area of the Assembly premises. The protest was held directly outside the closed chamber, highlighting growing friction between the ruling party and the Assembly administration.

The Trinamool Congress had earlier warned that it would launch a protest if the room was not formally allotted following the recognition process. The party had set a deadline until 12 noon on Friday, after which its legislators began their demonstration inside the Assembly complex.

The issue centres around the formal recognition of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition. Reports suggest that Assembly Speaker Rathin Ghosh had sought an official procedural proposal before finalising the recognition. Following initial uncertainty, TMC leaders reportedly submitted the proposal after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Earlier, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had written to the Assembly Speaker demanding that Sovandeb Chattopadhyay be formally declared as Leader of the Opposition. The Assembly secretariat rejected the communication, stating that procedural norms require an official party resolution and proper documentation rather than individual-level requests.

Within the party, it was decided in a legislative group meeting to nominate Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post. Despite this, the MLA has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that formal recognition has not yet been granted and that his designated chamber remains locked.

Assembly authorities, Maintain that due process has not been properly followed. They have stated that the required documentation, including clarity on the number of supporting MLAs and submission of official proposals, has not been adequately provided by the party.

TMC has maintained that if the Assembly administration continues to delay recognition and refuses to unlock the chamber, the protest will continue indefinitely, further intensifying the political standoff inside the House.