The first session of the newly formed West Bengal Assembly on Thursday began with state Governor RN Ravi’s usual speech even as deep fissures emerged between the Trinamool Congress with the two rival factions occupying separate parts of the opposition benches.
State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta is expected to present the budget for the financial year 2026-27 on June 22.
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In his speech, the Governor outlined the new government’s plans to restore law and order, check illegal infiltration, revive industry and implement central welfare schemes.
The Governor said that large-scale infiltration had taken place in the state with the active connivance of some vested interest groups within the state and that the new BJP government had taken strict action against the extortion gangs that were operating under the patronage of the erstwhile ruling party.
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“The new government has already taken strict action against those who once ran a reign of terror and extortion under the protection and patronage of the former ruling party in the state,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, rival TMC factions claimed victories, securing the position of leader of the opposition. “We are the opposition party and the name of the LoP party is Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay,” TMC legislator Kunal Ghosh said. However, expelled TMC leader Sandeepan Saha claimed a moral victory, saying Speaker Ritabrata Banerjee has been recognized as the LoP party.
TMC leaders said a group of party legislators loyal to Mamata Banerjee are likely to get a separate room and dedicated time to speak in the West Bengal Assembly. This development came after a meeting with CM Adhikari on Thursday.
