TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigns from party and Rajya Sabha
Senior Trinamool Congress (Trinamool Congress) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigned from the party and stepped down from the Upper House on Monday, marking a significant setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led organisation.
Ray, one of the founding members of the TMC and a prominent parliamentary face of the party, announced his resignation in New Delhi shortly before a scheduled meeting of the INDIA bloc.
His exit comes amid growing internal unrest within the party, including recent factional disputes in West Bengal’s legislative wing. Reports indicate that the resignation follows a series of disagreements within the organisation and mounting dissatisfaction over its internal functioning.
In his statement, Ray cited concerns over alleged corruption in governance and within the party structure, adding that public anger against the party had intensified in recent years. He also criticised the handling of certain sensitive cases, including the RG Kar hospital incident, saying he had raised internal concerns but was increasingly isolated within the party thereafter.
Ray alleged that his calls for internal inquiries and accountability were not acted upon, which led to widening differences with the leadership. He further claimed that several honest voices within the organisation had been sidelined over time.
The veteran parliamentarian, known for his expertise in constitutional matters, said he had not yet decided on joining another political party and suggested he may even consider retiring from active politics.
Following his resignation, the party’s representation in the Rajya Sabha has reduced to 12 members.
The Trinamool Congress leadership has not yet issued an official response to his resignation.
The development comes at a politically sensitive time, as the INDIA bloc meeting was underway in New Delhi with top opposition leaders in attendance, further amplifying its political significance.
