Fresh TMC setback as 20 MPs join NDA.
Mamata, Abhishek attend INDIA bloc unity meeting.
The political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Monday after a group of 20 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Chief Whip Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, reportedly informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of their decision to support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The move has triggered a major split in the party’s parliamentary unit and delivered a significant setback to the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The development comes in the aftermath of the party’s disappointing performance in the recent Assembly elections, which had already raised questions about the TMC’s internal cohesion and political direction. The latest rebellion has now exposed deep divisions within the party’s parliamentary ranks.
Speaking about the decision, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said that nearly 20 TMC MPs had jointly decided to write to the Speaker and formally declare their support for the NDA. The move, if recognized, could alter the political dynamics within Parliament and weaken the TMC’s position as a major opposition force.
According to sources, the dissident MPs are preparing to argue before the Speaker that Ghosh Dastidar remains the legally recognized chief whip of the party in the Lok Sabha. They contend that any attempt by the party leadership to replace her was not completed through the prescribed parliamentary procedures and therefore lacks official validity.
The dispute centers on a recent decision by the Mamata Banerjee-led party to remove Ghosh Dastidar from the post of chief whip and appoint Kalyan Banerjee as her replacement. However, rebel MPs claim that the change was never formally communicated to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, a necessary step for such an appointment to take effect within Parliament.
One of the dissident lawmakers reportedly told PTI that because the Lok Sabha Secretariat was not officially informed, Ghosh Dastidar continues to hold the position in the eyes of parliamentary authorities. This argument is expected to form the basis of the group’s case before the Speaker.
The rebellion represents one of the most serious internal challenges faced by the TMC in recent years. Political observers believe the outcome of the dispute could have significant implications for the party’s future strategy, parliamentary strength and leadership structure.
Meanwhile, the TMC leadership has yet to issue a detailed response to the claims made by the rebel MPs. Party insiders indicate that discussions are underway to assess the situation and determine the next course of action.
As the controversy unfolds, attention is now focused on the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office and whether the dissident lawmakers’ claim will receive recognition. The coming days are expected to be crucial for the future of the party and its standing in national politics.