The crisis within the Trinamool Congress deepened after expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee claimed the support of 60 party legislators and proposed himself for the post of Leader of the Opposition. Along with expelled MLA Sandipan Saha, he submitted a letter backing Mamata Banerjee as the party's leader while challenging the current leadership structure. The rebel camp's strength exceeds the two-thirds threshold required under the anti-defection law, potentially giving it leverage in any future split. The development puts Mamata Banerjee under pressure as she faces a growing challenge from within the party over the role of Abhishek Banerjee. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal's opposition party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), faced a major crisis on Wednesday after expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha arrived at the Assembly claiming the support of 59 party legislators. The rebel camp is expected to submit a letter to the Speaker asserting that it has the backing of more than two-thirds of TMC's 80 MLAs.   If the claim is accepted, the group could avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law and potentially retain the party's name and symbol. Sources said Ritabrata Banerjee is being projected as the new Leader of the Opposition. The rebellion follows allegations that signatures of several MLAs were forged on a party resolution related to key Assembly posts. The development has deepened the crisis for TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, whose party was recently voted out of power in West Bengal. (PC: India Today)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement and said he would join its June 6 protest in Delhi if Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign by June 5. Wangchuk said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke convinced him the movement is patriotic and driven by concerns of Indian youth. While acknowledging issues such as NEET paper leaks and examination controversies, he argued the larger problem is the failure of long-term education reforms. He questioned whether current policies can achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047 and urged accountability, saying education ministers in self-respecting democracies resign after such failures. (PC: The Indian Express)

Former West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a protest in central Kolkata against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers after the Assembly elections. Addressing supporters at Esplanade, Banerjee accused the BJP government of using “bulldozer politics” and trying to break the TMC through intimidation.   Vowing to continue the fight, she declared, “Ladenge ya marenge (Will fight or die).” The protest was also held over the alleged attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and the eviction of hawkers. Banerjee said opposition parties would soon meet in Delhi to decide their future course of action. (PC: HT)

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai has reportedly informed the party leadership that he wants a "cordial separation" and plans to pursue an independent political path. According to sources, Annamalai conveyed his decision during a meeting with BJP president Nitin Nabin and organisation secretary BL Santhosh in New Delhi.   Despite efforts by the BJP to persuade him to stay, sources said the former IPS officer has made up his mind. Reports suggest he has also declined an offer of a Rajya Sabha seat. Annamalai is expected to launch a public movement before eventually forming a political party focused on grassroots participation and leadership development. (PC: NDTV)

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has announced plans to return to India on June 6 and seek permission for a peaceful protest demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. Dipke said millions of students have been affected by examination-related issues, citing support for an online petition and protests in several cities. His announcement comes after the Delhi High Court declined to order the immediate restoration of the CJP’s X account, which was blocked in India on national security grounds. Investigations into the NEET paper leak continue, with multiple arrests reported.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the police of denying permission for a party protest in Kolkata over recent attacks on senior TMC leaders. She alleged that a "police raj" was prevailing in West Bengal and warned that she would protest in Delhi if the ban continued.   "If you don't give permission, I will protest in Delhi alone," Banerjee said during a virtual address to party workers.   She also claimed that TMC workers were facing intimidation and arrests. The BJP rejected the allegations and accused the TMC of trying to divert attention from its electoral setbacks. (PC: PTI)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi escalated his criticism of the government and CBSE over the digital evaluation controversy, alleging that Class 12 answer sheets were scanned using mobile phones instead of professional scanners. Citing claims by student researchers, Gandhi said key technical requirements were removed from the tender process, resulting in blurred scans, missing pages and evaluation errors. He accused CBSE of diluting norms to favour a private vendor and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue. The row has intensified amid reports of answer-sheet mix-ups, cybersecurity concerns and complaints from students over the online marking system.  

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the schedule for elections to 27 seats in the Rajya Sabha and state legislative councils across several states. Polling will be held on June 18 from 8 am to 4 pm, while counting will begin at 5 pm the same day.   According to the ECI, biennial elections will be conducted for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. Bye-elections will also be held for Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Elections for nine seats and a bypoll for one seat will be held in the Bihar Legislative Council, while Karnataka will vote for seven Legislative Council seats.   Nomination filing began on June 1 and will continue until June 8. (PC: X)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced that he will return to India on June 6 to hold a peaceful protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke cited the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and concerns over other major examinations, alleging that millions of students have been affected by failures in the education system. He urged students and young people to join the protest through democratic and constitutional means. Dipke said the movement would remain non-violent and focused on accountability in the education sector. (PC: HT)