Prakash Chik Baraik, a Rajya Sabha MP for the Trinamool Congress, resigned from the Upper House and his party on June 11, 2024 [1], [2].
The departure signals an escalating internal crisis for the Trinamool Congress as it faces a wave of high-profile exits from its legislative ranks. This trend suggests deepening fractures within the party's leadership and membership in West Bengal.
Baraik is the third Trinamool Congress parliamentarian to quit within a single week [1]. His resignation follows a pattern of growing dissent and dissatisfaction within the party's internal structure [2]. The MP submitted his resignation to both the Rajya Sabha and the Trinamool Congress party [1], [2].
While the party has not issued a formal rebuttal to the claims of instability, the timing of these exits coincides with a period of significant political turmoil [1]. The loss of three lawmakers in seven days creates a void in the party's representation in the Upper House, the council of states, and may impact its legislative strategy.
Baraik said internal discontent was the primary driver for his decision to leave [2]. The specific nature of the grievances remains undisclosed, though the broader context of the "TMC exodus" points to a systemic failure to address member concerns [2], [3].
Observers said that the resignation of a Rajya Sabha member is particularly impactful because these seats are filled by state legislatures rather than direct popular vote. The exit of such members often reflects a shift in the political alignment of the state-level party machinery [3].
“Baraik is the third Trinamool Congress parliamentarian to quit within a single week.”
The rapid loss of three parliamentarians in one week suggests a critical breakdown in party discipline and member satisfaction within the Trinamool Congress. Because Rajya Sabha members are appointed by state legislators, these resignations likely indicate a broader loss of confidence among the party's regional power brokers in West Bengal, potentially weakening the party's influence in national legislative processes.
