The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a political crisis after more than 70 newly elected legislators skipped a planned protest rally [1].
The absence of these lawmakers suggests a potential fracture within the party that could threaten the stability of the current government in West Bengal. This internal turmoil comes amid fears of widespread defections and a coordinated effort to weaken the party's legislative majority.
Reports indicate that approximately 50 legislators held a secret meeting to express support for an expelled party leader [1]. This development follows a period of instability marked by the suspension of a TMC spokesperson and the expulsion of other party members [2, 3].
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (TMC) said these events are linked to a broader strategy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party chief said the BJP is conducting an "Operation Lotus" — a strategy aimed at inducing legislators to defect from rival parties to split the ruling coalition [1, 3].
The tension follows the 2024 West Bengal assembly elections, where the TMC secured its mandate but now faces these internal challenges [1, 2]. The coordinated absence of more than 70 legislators from the protest rally represents a significant breach of party discipline [1].
While the TMC leadership continues to organize public demonstrations, the secret meetings and missing legislators indicate a divide between the party's top leadership and its newly elected representatives [2, 3].
“More than 70 newly elected TMC legislators skipped the protest rally.”
The current volatility within the TMC reflects a broader trend in Indian regional politics where ruling parties are targeted by 'Operation Lotus' strategies to trigger government collapses. If a significant bloc of legislators continues to align with expelled leaders or the opposition, the Banerjee administration may face a precarious legislative majority, potentially shifting the power balance in West Bengal.
