Bengal CM claims support of 275 MLAs in 294-member assembly

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday asserted that his administration would secure the support of 275 members in the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly, a figure that would provide a comfortable majority for legislative business.

Adhikari's statement hinted at backing from approximately 64 legislators from a rebel faction within the Trinamool Congress, alongside the BJP's 209 elected members in the assembly. The combination would theoretically provide the government with the numbers needed to navigate legislative proceedings without significant opposition challenges.

The development reflects ongoing political realignments in West Bengal's fractious political landscape, where factional divisions within the ruling party have periodically influenced legislative arithmetic. The Chief Minister's assertion comes as the state navigates various legislative and administrative priorities in the assembly.

The claim, if substantiated by actual floor support, would represent a significant political position for the government in the assembly's business. However, such legislative mathematics in India's state assemblies have historically remained fluid, with political affiliations subject to change based on evolving political circumstances and governance issues.