TMC Faces Internal Strife as Rebel MPs Align with NDA

TMC's Internal Conflict Intensifies

On Friday, the battle for control within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated. MP Mahua Moitra launched a fierce critique against the rebel lawmakers, who have openly expressed their support for forging closer ties with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and are advancing plans to establish a distinct identity in Parliament. This clash arises amid a growing crisis within the TMC, triggered by the party's disappointing performance in the recent West Bengal assembly elections. A faction of rebel MPs is demanding separate seating arrangements in the Lok Sabha, while senior leaders who have distanced themselves from the party are openly questioning the leadership's operations and future direction.

Moitra Challenges Rebel Claims

In a post on X, Moitra argued that the dissenting leaders are misinterpreting constitutional provisions and cannot claim recognition as a separate parliamentary group. She stated that the TMC's disloyal MPs lack knowledge of the law. The 91st Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in 2003, abolished the provision for forming separate groups. The number of MPs is irrelevant; two-thirds of the original political party's members must merge into another party. All 19 dissenters must resign and contest elections on BJP tickets.

Moitra also referenced an earlier post where she stated that even if the rebel MPs secured support from two-thirds of TMC's members, they would still not be entitled to operate as an independent parliamentary group. According to her, any such move would require adherence to constitutional provisions related to mergers under anti-defection laws. She cited the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in the case of Subhash Desai vs. the Governor of Maharashtra to support her argument.

Rebel MPs Stand Firm

The party leadership has dismissed the rebel faction's claims, yet the dissenters continue to assert their position confidently. Speaking to a news media outlet, rebel MP Arup Chakraborty claimed that around 20 MPs support their demand for separate seating in Parliament. Chakraborty emphasized that they have the backing of 20 MPs. Refuting allegations that the rebel leaders are pursuing political gains, he stated that this faction aims to 'save TMC' and re-establish it in a new form.