A faction of rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs met in Delhi to discuss their political future and seek recognition as the real TMC.
The move signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the party and suggests a strategic alignment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). If the rebels successfully secure official recognition, it could strip the current leadership of its legal standing and party identity.
The meeting took place at the Delhi residence of Bhupender Yadav, a member of parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) [1]. Led by Jagadish Barma Basunia, the group is exploring a path toward official status as the legitimate representative of the TMC.
Reports on the size of the rebel faction vary. One source indicates 19 MPs are claiming to be the real TMC [2], while another reports 20 MPs support the faction [3]. A third report suggests up to 23 MPs have been in touch with the rebel camp [4].
"We want the status of real TMC as part of NDA," Basunia said [2].
The rebel faction has also declared Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition [4]. This internal fracture comes amid accusations of external interference from the BJP.
Abhishek Banerjee said, "BJP has been trying many tactics — from creating rift in our party to intimidating party workers" [2].
The rebel group intends to meet with Speaker Om Birla to formally request recognition of their faction as the legitimate party entity [5]. This legal and procedural battle over the party's name and symbol often determines the survival of political factions in India.
“"We want the status of real TMC as part of NDA."”
The attempt by a significant minority of TMC MPs to claim the party's legal identity while aligning with the NDA represents a high-stakes gamble. If the Speaker of the Lok Sabha recognizes the rebel faction, it could lead to a total collapse of the current TMC leadership's authority. This maneuver suggests the BJP is actively working to dismantle the TMC from within to consolidate power in West Bengal.
