A faction of rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs met with BJP leaders in Delhi on May 24, 2026, while party leader Mamata Banerjee attended an INDIA bloc meeting.

The simultaneous events signal a deepening crisis within the TMC, as a significant group of lawmakers explores defection to the BJP while the party leadership attempts to strengthen a national opposition alliance.

The dissident lawmakers, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, and Ritabrata Banerjee, held a closed-door meeting at the residence of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav [2]. Reports on the number of participants vary, with some sources saying at least 10 rebel MPs attended the meeting [2], while others suggest around 20 TMC MPs gathered in Delhi to discuss their future [3].

These lawmakers are reportedly dissatisfied with the party's parliamentary leadership and fear marginalization [3]. The internal rift has grown as reports indicate up to 23 MPs are now in touch with the rebel camp [4].

While the dissidents met with the BJP, Mamata Banerjee focused on the INDIA bloc's strategy to counter the BJP [1]. The tension within the party follows a period of instability where the TMC's popular mandate was overturned in approximately 150 assembly constituencies [1].

The rebel group is currently discussing possible resignations and the potential to join the opposition [2]. This movement occurs as Banerjee seeks to coordinate a unified front among opposition parties to challenge the current government's dominance.

“A faction of rebel TMC MPs met with BJP leaders in Delhi”

The potential defection of a significant bloc of TMC MPs would weaken Mamata Banerjee's leverage within the INDIA alliance and diminish the party's presence in Parliament. If the BJP successfully absorbs these dissidents, it could signal a shift in the political landscape of West Bengal, potentially eroding the TMC's regional stronghold ahead of future electoral contests.