Twenty members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have requested the formation of a separate parliamentary bloc [1].
This move signals a significant fracture within the TMC, particularly following recent Assembly poll setbacks that have left some lawmakers feeling marginalized. By aligning with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), these rebels could shift the legislative balance in New Delhi.
The group, led by Chief Whip Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and including MP Sharmila Sarkar, submitted a formal letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla [2]. The lawmakers are seeking official recognition as a distinct entity within the parliament [1].
According to the dossier, the MPs said corruption concerns were a primary driver for their departure [3]. They also said there was a lack of internal space within the TMC, suggesting that the party environment has become restrictive for their political operations [3].
The rebellion comes at a critical time for the TMC in West Bengal, where the party is attempting to maintain its grip on power despite electoral challenges. The decision by 20 lawmakers [1] to distance themselves from the party leadership indicates a deepening crisis of confidence among its federal representatives.
While the TMC has not yet issued a formal response to the letter, the rebel MPs said their new bloc is prepared to support the NDA [2]. This alignment would provide the ruling coalition with additional leverage during key legislative votes.
“Twenty members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have requested the formation of a separate parliamentary bloc.”
The departure of these lawmakers suggests a strategic realignment within the West Bengal political landscape. By moving toward the NDA, the rebel MPs are not only seeking a new legislative identity but are also challenging the TMC's internal discipline and stability following its recent electoral losses.
