Rebel TMC MPs join Tripura-based outfit
A major group of rebel Lok Sabha MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming support from about 19 to 22 of the party's 28 MPs, have merged with the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party, a political group in Tripura. After this, they intend to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Leader of the TMC faction, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, made these details public after meeting Lok Sabha Speaker on Sunday.
Sources say this move is to circumvent anti-defection law and capitalise on TMC's weaknesses after the election. The split happened after TMC lost the West Bengal Assembly polls.
The rebel leaders, led by four-time Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, say they left because of governance problems, claims of lawlessness and corruption, and issues within the party.
Some of the main rebel MPs are Satabdi Roy, Saayoni Ghosh, and Prasun Banerjee. They have already met with senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, at his home in Delhi. Some reports say Adhikari was also part of these meetings.ng support for the NDA and seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc (or even claiming 'real TMC' status).
TMC loyalists, including National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, immediately countered with their own letter urging the Speaker not to recognise any rebel faction. The rebels' reported strategy, merging en masse with the small Nationalist Citizens Party, aims to satisfy the anti-defection law's merger exception. When at least two-thirds of a party's legislators merge with another party, they are protected from disqualification.
After merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party, the group can support or join the NDA without facing immediate legal problems. This is similar to what happened in past party splits, such as with the Shiv Sena or the NCP, but here they are using a small, existing party as a bridge.
The Nationalist Citizens Party is registered but has little influence, making it a good choice for the rebels' move. Adding 20 MPs could help the NDA in the Lok Sabha and make it easier to pass laws.
The TMC is already weakened by its loss in the West Bengal assembly election and by another rebellion among its MLAs. This has further hurt Mamata Banerjee's strength in parliament and her national reputation. Loyalists such as Mahua Moitra have called the rebels "greedy, self-serving traitors."
The Speaker's choice to recognise a separate group or a merger will be crucial. TMC says the rebels are not legitimate because key roles, such as chief whip, have already been given to others. A full legal battle over the party's name, symbol, and status before the Election Commission is expected.
This change marks a big shift in both West Bengal and national politics. With the BJP now leading the state and the rebels moving toward the NDA, TMC is facing a strong challenge to its control in Bengal. The rebels say their actions are for the "national interest" and Bengal's progress, but critics call it opportunism after losing the election.
In the next few days, it will become clear whether the Speaker accepts the rebels' claims, whether the merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party proceeds, and how soon the new group joins the NDA. For now, this is a clear example of political strategy in India's changing coalition politics.
Shiv Sena (UBT) closes ranks
Mumbai: Amid intense speculation that some of his party MPs might switch sides to the ruling Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, under Operation Tiger, Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday held a meeting of his Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentarians at his residence. Sources said four MPs attended the meeting in person. While four others marked their presence virtually, and one MP spoke to Thackeray over the phone. After the meeting, party’s lone Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said all MPs were firmly with the party.
