A group of rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs is seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc and entry into the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
This movement represents a significant challenge to the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, as a substantial number of lawmakers attempt to distance themselves from the party to align with the ruling coalition.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar is leading the rebel faction. While reports vary on the exact size of the group, Ghosh said 22 MPs [1] are with her, though other reports state 20 MPs [2] have written to the Speaker.
The group is slated to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday in New Delhi to formalize their request for separate status [1]. The rebels aim to secure a distinct identity within the parliament to facilitate their transition toward the NDA [2].
Amidst this political split, Kirti Azad launched a public attack on the rebel leadership. Speaking at the Kolkata airport, Azad said Ghosh is corrupt and alleged she had been recorded accepting a bribe.
"Kakoli Dastidar was caught on camera accepting Rs 5 lakh. Where was her integrity then?" Azad said [3].
The allegation involves a sum of Rs 5 lakh [3]. This accusation comes as the faction seeks to establish its legitimacy and moral standing while negotiating its departure from the TMC.
“"Kakoli Dastidar was caught on camera accepting Rs 5 lakh. Where was her integrity then?"”
The potential defection of 20 to 22 MPs would significantly weaken the Trinamool Congress's influence in the Lok Sabha and shift the balance of power in West Bengal's parliamentary representation. If Speaker Om Birla recognizes the rebels as a separate bloc, it provides a legal pathway for them to join the NDA without facing immediate disqualification under anti-defection laws, while the bribery allegations introduced by Kirti Azad serve to undermine the rebels' public justification for leaving Banerjee's leadership.
