New Delhi: A major political confrontation has unfolded within the Trinamool Congress after party leader Abhishek Banerjee announced that 20 petitions seeking the disqualification of rebel Members of Parliament have been submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The petitions target MPs who have broken away from the Trinamool Congress and claimed affiliation with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), while seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group in the Lok Sabha.
Following a meeting with the Speaker, Banerjee argued that the rebel MPs had voluntarily abandoned the party on whose symbol they were elected and therefore attracted provisions of the anti defection law. He maintained that legislators who leave their original political party cannot continue to retain their membership in the House and urged an early decision on the matter.
The Trinamool leadership has also opposed demands made by the dissident camp for separate seating arrangements and official recognition within Parliament. According to the party, the Constitution and the Tenth Schedule do not permit the creation of rival factions within a recognised political party.
Banerjee further alleged that the rebellion was driven by political pressure and inducements, accusing the breakaway MPs of undermining constitutional principles. He drew comparisons with political developments in Maharashtra, where disputes over party control and defections have led to prolonged legal and political battles.
The dispute has intensified following reports that the rebel camp claims the support of more than 20 MPs and is seeking formal recognition as a separate bloc. A similar split has also emerged in the West Bengal Assembly, where a large section of Trinamool legislators recently secured recognition as a separate legislative formation, a decision currently facing legal challenge.
The Speaker is expected to examine the competing claims and decide on the petitions before the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The outcome could have significant implications for the application of anti defection laws and the future political alignment of Trinamool lawmakers.
