TMC's Internal Strife: Speaker Calls Abhishek Banerjee for Talks Amid Rebellion

Tensions within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalate as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invites Abhishek Banerjee for discussions regarding the rebellion of 20 MPs. These legislators are seeking to merge with the Nationalist Congress Party of India (NCPI) and have requested separate seating arrangements in Parliament. The situation raises questions about the legality of their actions under anti-defection laws. As the Speaker reviews the case, both sides prepare for a potential political showdown. Stay informed about the latest developments in this unfolding political drama.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 15:36 IST

Speaker's Invitation to TMC's Abhishek Banerjee

According to sources, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has summoned Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), for discussions on June 19. This meeting will focus on the stance of 20 rebel MPs regarding their recent actions. This development follows internal conflicts within the TMC after the assembly elections.

On June 14, the 20 dissenting legislators met with Speaker Om Birla and submitted a letter requesting their faction's merger with the Tripura-based Nationalist Congress Party of India (NCPI). They also sought separate arrangements for seating in the lower house of Parliament.

Review of the Rebel MPs' Situation

Sources indicate that Speaker Om Birla is currently reviewing the situation concerning the 20 rebel MPs and will make a decision after hearing from both sides. Previously, Banerjee had been summoned but was unable to attend. According to TMC sources, the Speaker's office emailed Banerjee about the meeting at 2:00 PM on June 15, while he was being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which limited his access to his mobile phone or personal email.

The Speaker's office provided Banerjee with a two-hour window to meet in Delhi by 4 PM the same day. Within an hour of sending the email, the Speaker's office contacted TMC MP Kirti Azad to inform him about the scheduled appointment. Azad then visited the Speaker's office to explain Banerjee's absence, stating that he was cooperating with the ongoing ED inquiry. Azad requested a rescheduled date and reiterated that Banerjee is willing to fully cooperate with the Speaker's proceedings.

Potential Legal and Political Controversy

It is anticipated that the Speaker will consider the merger request from the rebel faction, which could ignite a new legal and political controversy within the TMC. While the rebels seek official recognition of their actions, the party leadership is taking steps to protect its members and challenge the validity of the request. The rebel faction argues that their merger with the NCPI does not violate the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Under anti-defection laws, a merger is permitted when at least two-thirds of a legislative party's members join another party. The rebels claim that their 20 MPs exceed this threshold.

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