India, June 4 -- In a stunning political upheaval that has shaken the corridors of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, expelled Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Ritabrata Banerjee was formally recognised by Speaker Rathindranath Bose on Wednesday as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).

The move follows a brazen rebellion by nearly 60 TMC legislators who defied the party high command and submitted letters of support endorsing Banerjee, even as the party grapples with a fresh controversy over allegedly forged signatures. Banerjee, who was unceremoniously expelled from the TMC for "anti-party activities," wasted no time in asserting his new role.

Speaking to reporters immediately after being handed the keys to the Leader of the Opposition's c...