The latest political twist comes hours after the rebel faction regrouped at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's residence in Delhi following a meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. According to sources, the rebel TMC MPs opted to associate themselves with the party due to legal complications in forming a separate parliamentary bloc.
The political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Sunday after a group of 20 rebel Members of Parliament decided to merge their faction with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and extend support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The development comes amid an ongoing power struggle within the party following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The decision was reportedly taken after a series of meetings in New Delhi, including discussions with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and a gathering at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s residence. The move has created fresh uncertainty over the future of the party and the status of the rebel lawmakers in Parliament.
Rebel Camp Gets Major Boost
The dissident faction received a significant boost after senior TMC leader and longtime Mamata Banerjee confidant Sudip Bandyopadhyay expressed support for the rebel group. Bandyopadhyay said he joined the camp after appeals from rebel MPs and MLAs who wanted the partyunder Mamata Banerjee's broader guidance. However, he said he would formally sign the group's letter only in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Rebels to Seek Recognition in Parliament
Rebel MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia said the group plans to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday to seek recognition as the “real TMC” parliamentary group. According to the dissident camp, their strength could rise to 22 MPs after two more lawmakers join them. The rebels claim they have already submitted the required letter and are prepared to formally stake their claim before the Speaker.
TMC Responds With Organisational Changes
As the rebellion gathered momentum, the TMC announced a major organisational reshuffle. Several leaders, including those who backed the rebels, were removed from key positions. New appointments were made in the party’s youth wing, women’s wing and district-level organisation. The party also appointed senior MP Saugata Roy as chief adviser to its Lok Sabha wing.
Legal Battle Over Defection Claims
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction has rejected the rebels’ claims, arguing that the anti-defection law does not allow the formation of a separate parliamentary group while retaining seats won on the TMC symbol. Party leaders insist that lawmakers must either remain with the original party or merge with another recognised political party to avoid disqualification. The issue is now expected to be examined by the Lok Sabha Speaker in the coming days.
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