TMC Leader Criticizes Government for Including Rebel MPs in Parliamentary Proceedings

TMC's Mahua Moitra Condemns Inclusion of Rebel MPs

Mahua Moitra, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has sharply criticized the government for its decision to include rebel MPs in the seating arrangement and official proceedings, labeling it as a "bench of traitors." Speaking to reporters, Moitra explained that the united opposition staged a walkout during an all-party meeting due to the presence of 20 MPs facing pending disqualification petitions. She asserted that these members have aligned themselves with an unrecognized faction, NCPI, which has not yet received formal approval for its merger from the Speaker.

Concerns Over Parliamentary Integrity

The TMC leader argued that accommodating the rebel faction has compromised the traditional seating arrangements in the House, leading to a new parliamentary classification that she described in strong terms. She pointed out that the 20 rebel MPs, whose disqualification petitions are still pending, claim to have joined a non-recognized party named NCPI, yet their merger has not been sanctioned by the Speaker. Nevertheless, they were invited to the all-party meeting yesterday.

Opposition Walkout and New Seating Arrangements

Moitra further stated that the entire opposition walked out in protest. She noted that the government has altered the seating arrangements, which traditionally included the treasury bench and the opposition bench. Expressing concerns over the new seating layout, she remarked, "A new category has emerged today - the 'traitor bench.' Sudip Bandopadhyay will sit at the forefront as the leader of the 'traitor bench.' This marks a new day for parliamentary democracy." Meanwhile, on Monday, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala submitted a notice under Rule 267, demanding an immediate discussion in the Rajya Sabha regarding alleged misappropriation and misuse of donations for the Ayodhya Ram Temple, as well as accountability from the government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.