India, June 3 -- A dramatic shift in West Bengal's political landscape unfolded on Wednesday as the split within the Trinamool Congress appeared to deepen beyond reconciliation. In a significant development, Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose formally recognized rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, effectively granting institutional legitimacy to the breakaway faction.

The move was accompanied by another symbolic gesture that underscored the changing political equations. The keys to the Opposition office within the Assembly complex were handed over to Banerjee, signaling official acceptance of the new arrangement and strengthening the position of the dissident camp.

Shortly after assuming h...