Political Turmoil in TMC Sparks Speculation on NDA's Delimitation Bill Plans

The recent rebellion within the Trinamool Congress has sparked speculation about the BJP-led NDA's plans to reintroduce the delimitation bill in the upcoming monsoon session. With a faction of TMC MPs potentially supporting the NDA, the political landscape is shifting. This article delves into the implications of these developments for the passage of key legislation, including the women's reservation bill, and the overall dynamics in the Lok Sabha. As the government seeks to secure the necessary majority, the role of various political players, including the DMK, becomes increasingly significant.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 9, 2026, 15:26 IST

Political Dynamics in West Bengal

The recent upheaval within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, has reignited discussions about the possibility of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reintroducing the delimitation bill during the upcoming monsoon session, set to commence in the third week of July. The Constitution (One Hundred Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, aimed at redrawing electoral boundaries based on the 2011 census, failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament last April.

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Currently, the NDA lacks a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, which was also the reason the Women's Reservation Bill could not be passed in April. This bill was linked to the delimitation bill, contributing to its failure as well. Reports indicate that a faction of 20 TMC MPs has decided to break away from the party to support the NDA government. If recognized as a separate group, this could bolster the ruling coalition's strength in the Lok Sabha, reviving hopes for passing both the delimitation and women's reservation bills, which require a two-thirds majority.

This development follows claims by TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar that 20 party MPs have united to form a separate faction. They have reportedly submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition for this group. Subsequently, the rebel MPs convened at the residence of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav to strategize their future actions and discuss their decision to support the NDA.

Their backing could prove crucial for the government, which is currently short of the majority needed to pass the Constitution (One Hundred Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, also known as the delimitation bill. This legislation proposes the redistricting of parliamentary constituencies based on the 2011 census. The Lok Sabha has a total of 543 seats, but three are currently vacant—Basirhat, Shillong, and Naugong—due to the deaths of sitting MPs and the resignation of a BJP member. Consequently, the effective number of members has decreased, lowering the two-thirds majority requirement to 360 votes.

At present, the NDA has the support of 293 MPs. Should the Speaker grant recognition to the breakaway TMC faction without any legal hurdles, the coalition's strength would increase by 20 members. Speculation also suggests that the DMK may support the government on certain issues, especially given the rising tensions between Congress and DMK, as Congress has reportedly distanced itself from DMK and supported the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). If the DMK's 22 Lok Sabha MPs back the proposed legislation, it would further enhance the NDA's numbers.

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During the voting on the constitutional amendment bill in April, the government garnered support from 298 MPs, indicating backing beyond its core coalition partners. With the support of the rebel TMC faction and potential issue-based backing from the DMK, the NDA could secure approximately 348 votes in the Lok Sabha. This would leave them just 12 votes shy of the 360 needed to pass the constitutional amendment. The government may then seek to bridge this gap through independent MPs, smaller parties, and potential cross-voting from opposition members.