About 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs are planning a meeting in Delhi on Monday [1].

The gathering signals a deepening crisis within the TMC, as a significant bloc of lawmakers considers aligning with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. This internal rift threatens the party's stability and its legislative strength in the Lok Sabha.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has responded by convening meetings with party loyalists and removing rebel leaders from their official party posts. Banerjee said there has been pressure placed on legislators to defect.

Reports on the exact number of dissidents vary slightly between sources. While one report cites about 20 rebel MPs [1], another update identifies 19 lawmakers involved in the crisis [2].

Representatives for Mamata Banerjee have characterized the rebellion as a betrayal of the party's leadership. Team Mamata said, "Rebels have joined BJP, chosen Modi as their leader" [2].

The political turmoil involves high-profile figures and has drawn the attention of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The dissidents are reportedly coordinating their efforts in Delhi to determine their next steps regarding party membership and leadership.

Suvendu Adhikari has also been referenced in discussions surrounding the political shifts in West Bengal. The leadership continues to consolidate its base to prevent further defections as the Monday meeting approaches.

“Rebels have joined BJP, chosen Modi as their leader”

The potential defection of nearly 20 MPs would significantly weaken the Trinamool Congress's influence in the national parliament. By framing the rebellion as an external push from the BJP, Mamata Banerjee is attempting to maintain party discipline and delegitimize the dissidents as opportunistic rather than ideologically driven.