TMC Faces Major Split as 19 MPs Rebel, Seek Separate Faction

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, is currently facing one of the most severe internal crises in its history, with a significant number of its Lok Sabha Members of Parliament (MPs) reportedly moving to form a separate parliamentary faction. News reports indicate that 19 TMC MPs have signed a letter addressed to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla's office, expressing their intention to function as an independent group in Parliament. This development is particularly critical as the number of rebel MPs, 19 out of the TMC's total 28 Lok Sabha members, constitutes more than two-thirds of the party's parliamentary strength. This numerical advantage is crucial under India's anti-defection law, as it allows the breakaway group to form a new parliamentary party without facing disqualification. The rebel faction has reportedly asserted that while they do not intend to formally merge with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), they will extend their support to the ruling alliance. Among the prominent figures named in the list of rebel MPs are former cricketer Yusuf Pathan and actress-turned-politician Saayoni Ghosh. Yusuf Pathan notably won the Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 general elections on a TMC ticket, defeating veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Saayoni Ghosh, who is the MP for Jadavpur and was recently re-appointed president of the Trinamool Youth Congress, is also reported to be part of the dissident group. Other significant names reported to be part of the rebel camp include Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who is reportedly leading the faction, Satabdi Roy, Mala Roy, and Dev (Deepak Adhikari). The internal upheaval within the Trinamool Congress comes on the heels of the party's "bruising defeat" in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. Sources close to the rebel faction have cited issues related to governance, allegations of corruption, and deteriorating law and order under the current state leadership as reasons for their breakaway. This parliamentary rebellion follows an earlier, unprecedented revolt within the West Bengal Assembly, where a substantial number of TMC MLAs reportedly broke away to form the main opposition group, further exacerbating the party's internal challenges. The implications of such a split are significant for the political landscape of West Bengal and national politics. The TMC, as the third-largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha with 28 members, stands to lose a considerable portion of its strength. This move is seen as a dramatic escalation of the political crisis, potentially leading to a prolonged legal and political battle over the control of the party and its symbol before the Election Commission. The timing of the rebel MPs' letter, dated May 18, is also considered critical, preceding the appointment of senior MP Kalyan Banerjee as the chief whip of the party in the Lok Sabha on May 19. While some initial reports included names like Shatrughan Sinha among the potential rebels, he has publicly denied being part of the breakaway faction and reaffirmed his loyalty to Mamata Banerjee, stating that she stood by him during difficult times. Conversely, TMC MP Mahua Moitra has strongly criticized the rebel group, labeling them "traitors" and asserting that even with two-thirds of the MPs, the only legal option for them would be to merge with the BJP as a political party, rather than simply forming a separate faction. The situation underscores the deep divisions and power struggles currently engulfing the Trinamool Congress, posing a formidable challenge to Mamata Banerjee's leadership as she strives to maintain party unity in the aftermath of electoral setbacks.

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