Kirti Azad, a senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Member of Parliament, dismissed reports that 19 MPs are backing a rebel camp within the party [1].
The denial comes amid speculation of internal instability within the TMC, a key political force in West Bengal. If a significant number of lawmakers were to defect or form a faction, it could weaken the party's legislative standing and influence in the region.
Azad addressed the rumors by labeling those allegedly involved as traitors rather than rebels. He said, "They are traitors, not rebels" [2]. The lawmaker framed the situation not as a legitimate internal disagreement, but as an external attempt to destabilize the organization from the outside.
According to Azad, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the primary driver behind these reports. He said, "The BJP is trying to engineer a split in the party" [2]. By attributing the unrest to the opposition, Azad sought to frame the narrative as a strategic attack by the BJP to create a faction within the TMC.
Azad also touched upon the reactions of other party members to the current political climate. He said, "Kalyan Banerjee's anger is justified, but Mamata will set things right" [3]. This statement suggests that while there is tension among leadership, the party remains confident in the ability of its leader, Mamata Banerjee, to maintain cohesion.
The claims regarding the 19 MPs [1] have created a point of contention for the party's public image. Azad's response aims to shut down speculation of a formal split and reaffirm loyalty to the central leadership of the Trinamool Congress.
“"They are traitors, not rebels."”
This dispute highlights the ongoing friction between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal. By labeling potential dissidents as 'traitors' and accusing the BJP of engineering the split, Azad is attempting to delegitimize any internal opposition and consolidate party loyalty around Mamata Banerjee to prevent a loss of legislative strength.
