Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) finalised its legislative hierarchy on Saturday, naming veteran statesman Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition for the 18th West Bengal Assembly. Chattopadhyay, who secured his seat from the Ballygunge constituency in south Kolkata, steps into the role as the party adjusts to its new position following 15 years of governance.

The appointment was confirmed in a Saturday night communiqué issued by Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha member. Banerjee is the nephew of the outgoing Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.

A New Era in Bengal Governance

The landscape of the state Assembly has shifted dramatically with the ascension of Suvendu Adhikari, who now holds the title of Leader of the House by virtue of his position as Chief Minister. Adhikari was sworn in Saturday morning, marking a historic milestone as West Bengal’s ninth Chief Minister and the first to lead a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration in the state since Independence.

Chattopadhyay brings significant executive experience to the opposition benches. Between 2021 and 2026, he served as the state Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs under the Mamata Banerjee-led cabinet. His extensive career also includes a prior tenure as the state's Power Minister.

Legislative Leadership Team

The Trinamool Congress also prioritised female representation in its new leadership structure, designating two women as Deputy Leaders of the Opposition:

  • Nayna Bandyopadhyay: An actress-turned-politician representing the Chowringhee constituency in north Kolkata. She is the spouse of Sudip Bandopadhyay, a long-serving Lok Sabha member for Kolkata Uttar.
  • Asima Patra: The party’s elected representative from the Dhaniakhali constituency located in the Hooghly district.

Furthermore, the party announced that Firhad Hakim will serve as the Chief Whip of the Trinamool Congress legislative party. Hakim, widely recognised by the moniker "Bobby," continues to serve as the Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. He previously held the portfolio for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development throughout all three terms of the Trinamool regime from 2011 to 2026.

With inputs from IANS