TMC Denies Allegations of Rebellion Amidst NDA Support Claims
TMC Responds to Allegations of Internal Rebellion
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly refuted claims of a significant split within its parliamentary party, following reports that 20 of its MPs are allegedly supporting the NDA. TMC leaders have labeled the supposed rebellion and the list of MPs as entirely "fake and fabricated." They assert that this is a smear campaign orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has ultimately failed. The situation escalated when TMC MPs Kirti Azad and Kalyan Banerjee accused the BJP's top leadership of being behind this alleged dissent.
Kirti Azad's Strong Denial
In a post on social media platform X, Kirti Azad vehemently denied the claims, asserting that the list was "fake and fabricated" and propagated by the BJP. He further stated that several leaders listed had already refused to sign any documents related to this alleged move.
Details of the Allegations
This controversy arose amid reports that over 20 TMC MPs had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The reports suggested that these MPs were considering forming a separate group or a new political faction, as they purportedly had sufficient numbers to do so.
Kalyan Banerjee Questions the Validity of the Claims
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee also launched a sharp critique against those allegedly involved in these events. He questioned the reports regarding the letter sent to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, noting that no such letter had been made public even after 24 hours. He claimed that the Speaker's office had confirmed that no such message was received.
Concerns Over Alleged Meetings with BJP Leaders
Referring to reports of some TMC leaders meeting with senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav, Banerjee raised concerns about how such a meeting was arranged and who facilitated it. He further alleged that those attempting to leave the party no longer consider Mamata Banerjee their leader and have opted to align themselves with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Legal Implications of Defection
Banerjee argued that any group attempting to break away from the TMC would face legal challenges under anti-defection laws. According to him, leaders wishing to avoid disqualification under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution may ultimately have to formally join the BJP.
Criticism of MPs Named in the Reports
He criticized the MPs mentioned in the reports, stating that many had praised Mamata Banerjee during the election campaign but are now claiming they cannot work for development while remaining in the TMC. Banerjee remarked, "During the elections, Kalyan Dastidar never ceased to praise Mamata Banerjee. Those who used to commend her at every opportunity are now making excuses, claiming they couldn't work for development while in the TMC. If they wish to join the BJP, they should do so openly, take a BJP ticket, and contest elections. They have betrayed the party. They are all traitors."
Final Remarks
He concluded by reiterating that if they want to join the BJP, they should do so transparently, obtain a BJP ticket, and participate in elections.