India, June 4 -- The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing one of the most turbulent phases in its 28-year history after a major rebellion within its West Bengal legislative wing triggered fresh speculation about unrest among the party's Members of Parliament.

The crisis erupted on Wednesday when 58 rebel MLAs broke away from the party and elected expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.

The move secured recognition from Speaker Rathindra Bose and effectively handed control of the TMC legislature party to the dissident camp.

The development marks the first formal split in the party founded by Mamata Banerjee in 1998 and comes only weeks after its heavy defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elect...