New Delhi: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing mounting political uncertainty as concerns grow that the internal revolt which recently shook the party in the West Bengal Assembly could spread to its parliamentary ranks. Party chief Mamata Banerjee arrived in New Delhi on Sunday amid speculation that a section of TMC MPs may be preparing to challenge the leadership in a manner similar to the rebellion led by dissident legislators in the state Assembly.
The crisis deepened after a majority of the party’s MLAs reportedly backed expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, a move seen as a significant setback for the TMC leadership. The development has raised fears that discontent within the party could now extend to both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
According to party sources, discussions are underway among some MPs regarding the formation of a separate group within the parliamentary wing and the election of alternative leadership. The party leadership is reportedly engaged in efforts to prevent any formal split, even as concerns grow over the lack of communication with several MPs.
Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray indicated that the process of dissent had already begun in the Lok Sabha and suggested that similar developments could eventually emerge in the Upper House. However, the extent of support for any breakaway group remains unclear.
Soon after reaching Delhi, Mamata Banerjee met Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, accompanied by senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. The meeting focused on future political strategy and comes ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting, where opposition unity is expected to be a key theme.
The numbers remain crucial. While dissident leaders reportedly claim support from around 20 Lok Sabha MPs, party insiders insist that a majority remain loyal to Mamata Banerjee. If the rebels fail to secure the support required under anti-defection provisions, any attempt to split the parliamentary party could face legal hurdles.
With uncertainty surrounding the loyalty of several MPs, the coming days are likely to be critical for the future of the TMC and its role within the opposition alliance.
