West Bengal Chief Minister Shubendu Adhikari met with rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs in Delhi to discuss an ongoing party rebellion.

The meeting comes as the TMC faces significant internal instability. The potential defection of legislators following recent electoral setbacks could shift the political balance in West Bengal and impact the party's standing in the national legislature.

The discussions in Delhi followed a separate meeting held in Kolkata. The gathering focused on addressing the dissent within the party ranks, and the grievances of those who have distanced themselves from the party leadership.

Reports on the number of participants vary. One source indicates that 14 rebel Lok Sabha MPs met with the chief minister [1]. However, other reporting suggests the number of rebel MPs involved is as high as 20 [2]. This discrepancy highlights the fluid nature of the current party rebellion.

Adhikari said the meeting was intended to address the internal friction. The rebel group has expressed concerns over the party's direction after its recent performance in elections, leading to a climate of instability within the TMC organization.

The chief minister's decision to meet the rebels in the capital suggests an effort to prevent a mass exodus of legislators. Such a move would be critical for the party's ability to maintain its legislative influence and prevent a collapse of its regional stronghold.

“The potential defection of legislators following recent electoral setbacks could shift the political balance in West Bengal.”

This meeting signals a critical juncture for the Trinamool Congress as it attempts to manage internal fractures. By engaging with a significant bloc of rebel MPs—ranging from 14 to 20 individuals—the leadership is attempting to mitigate the risk of formal defections that could weaken the party's legislative power and embolden political opponents in the region.