Trinamool Congress Expels Two MLAs Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee

Sandipan Saha (L), Ritabrata Banerjee (R)

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday expelled two of its MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, from the party's primary membership with immediate effect, accusing them of anti-party activities and actions prejudicial to the organisation's interests.

In separate expulsion notices issued on June 1, the party said both legislators had repeatedly failed to attend meetings convened by the authorised party leadership despite being elected as candidates nominated by the TMC.

The notices stated that the party's competent authority had also observed that the two MLAs had engaged in activities and made statements that were prejudicial to the interests of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

"After due consideration of the matter, the competent authority of AITC has decided to expel you from the (primary) membership of the Party with immediate effect," the notices said.

The party further said that, following the expulsion, the two legislators would cease to hold any position, responsibility or privilege associated with the Trinamool Congress from the date of issuance of the notices.

While the notices did not specify the exact nature of the alleged anti-party activities, they stated that the disciplinary action was taken after the matter was considered by the party's competent authority.

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No immediate response was available from either Sandipan Saha or Ritabrata Banerjee following the party's decision. (With PTI inputs)