TMC Rebels Plan Meeting in Delhi Amidst Internal Turmoil

On June 14, rebel leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) are expected to arrive in the national capital. Speaking to the media, rebel TMC MP Jagdish Basunia mentioned that the West Bengal leader will meet with the group of dissenting MPs in Delhi, followed by a meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker. Basunia also outlined the agenda for the upcoming days.

He stated, "We have scheduled a meeting with the Speaker on Monday (June 15). All the rebel MPs will attend; they are all coming to Delhi tomorrow. On Sunday (June 14), there will be a meeting with CM (Suvendu Adhikari) and all the MPs, and then we will visit the Speaker on Monday... 19 MPs will be involved in this."

Basunia further added, "Kalyan Banerjee had spoken against Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee yesterday. They might join us as well. Meanwhile, on Friday, TMC MP Mahua Moitra launched a sharp critique against the rebel MPs, asserting that they are misinterpreting the Constitution and lack any legal basis for recognition as a separate faction in Parliament. In a post on X, Moitra emphasized that the 91st Constitutional Amendment of 2003 abolished provisions for forming separate factions, insisting that all 19 rebel MPs should resign and contest elections on BJP tickets. She wrote, 'The traitorous MPs of TMC are unaware of the law. The 2003 amendment eliminated provisions for party splits or faction formations. The number of MPs is irrelevant; two-thirds of the original political party must merge with another party. All 19 traitors must resign and contest on BJP tickets.'

These statements come amid escalating political strife within the TMC, triggered by the demand from 19 rebel MPs for a separate seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha. This move has intensified speculation about a potential alliance with the BJP-led NDA, indicating a rift within the party.

On the other hand, amidst ongoing turmoil within the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), rebel MP Arup Chakraborty claimed that nearly 20 MPs are backing the dissenting faction. He expressed that this group aims to 're-establish TMC in a new form' and work towards a 'joint-engine government' between the state and the center. Chakraborty noted that the BJP's support is beneficial for the party and that the backing of rebel MPs would aid the ruling party. He stated, 'The state and center will collaborate through a joint-engine government.' Speaking to the media, Chakraborty, who is among the MPs advocating for a separate seating arrangement, confirmed, 'We have the support of 20 MPs.'

Meanwhile, internal discord within the party has intensified. The series of resignations and rebellious statements have raised uncertainties regarding the party's internal unity and potential mergers.