Trinamool MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Resigns Amid Party Crisis
Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has resigned from his post and the party, citing widespread corruption and failures during the Trinamool's 15-year rule in West Bengal. His resignation follows a significant rebellion within the party's MLAs and occurs as party leaders attend an INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi. Several other MPs have also reportedly met with West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, fueling speculation of a larger split.
Key Highlights
- Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigns as Rajya Sabha MP and TMC member.
- Ray cited corruption and failures during TMC's 15-year rule.
- Resignation follows major rebellion by TMC MLAs.
- Other TMC MPs met with West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari.
- Speculation of a wider split within the TMC.
- Resignation occurs during INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi.
Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has resigned from his position and from the primary membership of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) amid a deepening internal crisis within the party. Ray, a veteran leader and former chief whip of the TMC in the Rajya Sabha, cited widespread corruption, atrocities against women, and failures in key sectors such as health, education, industry, law and order, and employment during the party's 15-year rule in West Bengal as reasons for his departure. He also praised the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal for taking initiatives towards development and reconstruction as per its election manifesto.
Ray's resignation comes at a critical juncture for the TMC, which recently suffered a significant setback in the West Bengal Assembly elections. This follows a massive rebellion within the party's legislative wing, where 58 out of 80 MLAs broke away and secured recognition as the principal opposition bloc under expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. Ray had previously hinted at the possibility of a similar situation unfolding in Parliament, stating that what happened in the Assembly could be repeated in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The timing of Ray's resignation is particularly significant as it coincides with Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee's presence in New Delhi to attend a crucial meeting of the INDIA opposition bloc. This development adds to the pressure on Banerjee as she seeks to strengthen her party's position within the alliance following the electoral defeat.
Further fueling speculation of a wider split, several other TMC MPs, including Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have reportedly met with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in Delhi. Reports suggest that these MPs are considering forming a separate bloc or tendering mass resignations, with some allegedly writing to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek recognition as a distinct faction. The TMC currently has 28 MPs in the Lok Sabha, and a split would require at least 19 MPs to form a separate group without facing disqualification under anti-defection laws.
Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, born in 1949, has a long political career, having started with the Congress and later joining the TMC. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP since 2011 and held positions such as deputy leader and chief whip of the party in the Upper House. His differences with the party leadership reportedly grew after his critical stance on the RG Kar hospital incident in 2024, which led to his replacement as chief whip.
The unfolding crisis within the TMC raises questions about the party's cohesion and its future in both the West Bengal Assembly and Parliament. The resignation of a senior leader like Ray, coupled with the reported meetings of other MPs with opposition leaders, signals a period of significant internal turbulence for the party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and why did he resign?
Sukhendu Sekhar Ray is a veteran Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and a Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal. He resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat and the primary membership of the TMC on June 8, 2026, citing widespread corruption, atrocities against women, and failures in governance during the TMC's 15-year rule in the state. He also praised the new BJP government's initiatives.
What is the context of Sukhendu Sekhar Ray's resignation?
Ray's resignation comes in the wake of the TMC's defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections and a significant rebellion within the party's MLAs. It also coincides with Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee's presence in New Delhi to attend a crucial INDIA bloc meeting, adding to the party's internal turmoil.
Are other TMC MPs considering leaving the party?
Yes, reports indicate that several other TMC MPs have met with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders in Delhi. These MPs are reportedly considering forming a separate bloc or resigning en masse, fueling speculation about a wider split within the Trinamool Congress.
What are the implications of Sukhendu Sekhar Ray's resignation?
Ray's resignation is a significant setback for the TMC, marking the first instance of an MP quitting following the party's electoral losses. It highlights the deepening internal crisis and raises questions about the party's cohesion and future in both the West Bengal Assembly and Parliament. It also weakens Mamata Banerjee's position within the INDIA bloc.
What is the current political situation in West Bengal?
The Trinamool Congress, which ruled West Bengal for 15 years, recently lost the state Assembly elections to the Bharatiya Janata Party. This electoral defeat has been followed by a significant rebellion within the TMC's MLAs, with a large faction breaking away. The resignation of Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and the reported moves by other MPs indicate a period of intense political upheaval for the TMC.
