Mamata Banerjee's Delhi Visit: Is the TMC Facing a Parliamentary Split?

Mamata Banerjee's recent trip to Delhi raises eyebrows as speculation mounts over a potential split within the Trinamool Congress. With significant defections in the West Bengal Assembly, the TMC leadership is under pressure to maintain unity among its MPs. As Mamata and her team assess the situation ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting, the party faces a critical moment that could reshape its parliamentary presence. Will the TMC manage to hold its ground, or are we witnessing the beginning of a larger political upheaval?

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2026, 15:55 IST

Mamata Banerjee Heads to Delhi Amid Party Turmoil

Kolkata: On Sunday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee made her way to Delhi, just a day prior to the INDIA bloc meeting, amidst rumors of a potential division among the party's Members of Parliament.

Accompanying her were Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen and veteran Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee.

TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, had arrived in the capital a day earlier as the party's leadership faced mounting signs that the dissent, which previously led to a loss of control in the West Bengal Assembly, might extend to its parliamentary faction.

Initially, Mamata and her nephew Abhishek were set to travel to Delhi together for the opposition meeting, but the Diamond Harbour MP opted to go ahead of schedule.

The TMC's top brass is anticipated to evaluate the internal situation before the INDIA bloc gathering on Monday, especially with reports suggesting that rebellious TMC leaders and MPs are attempting to mirror the Assembly's upheaval in Parliament.

In a significant blow to Mamata Banerjee since the party's inception in 1998, over two-thirds of TMC MLAs—58 out of 80—defected from the official legislative wing last week, establishing themselves as the main opposition group under expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee.

Insiders have indicated that efforts are being made to rally support among MPs in both Houses.

During Mamata Banerjee's visit to Delhi, intense discussions are expected to ensure party unity, especially as indications suggest that the rebel MPs may act soon.

Rebel TMC MLA and deputy leader of the new legislative wing, Sandipan Saha, noted that a situation akin to that in the West Bengal Assembly is unfolding within the parliamentary party in New Delhi.

Following the TMC's recent electoral defeat, several leaders have publicly criticized Abhishek Banerjee's leadership style.

Currently, the TMC holds 28 seats in the Lok Sabha, following the passing of Basirhat MP Haji Nurul Islam.

According to anti-defection laws, a faction would need the backing of at least two-thirds of the parliamentary party—19 MPs—to claim a separate entity without facing disqualification. The party also has 13 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.