Abhishek Banerjee, national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognize rebel MPs who joined the NCPI.
The move seeks to prevent a formal split in the party's parliamentary representation. If the Speaker grants the dissidents recognition as a separate bloc, it could diminish the TMC's official strength and influence within the lower house.
Banerjee sent a formal letter and met with the Speaker in New Delhi on June 12, 2026 [3]. During the proceedings, Banerjee said that the split was unconstitutional and violated the anti-defection law [1, 5]. He challenged the legality of the move, stating that "MPs alone cannot merge with another party" [4].
The dispute centers on a group of legislators who have left the TMC to join the NCPI. While some reports indicate 20 rebel MPs are involved [1], other accounts place the number at 19 [2]. The TMC maintains that these members should not be recognized as a separate TMC bloc to ensure the party remains a single parliamentary entity [1, 5].
Saugata Roy, a party official, emphasized the party's stance on membership. "If anyone leaves TMC, they are no longer TMC," Roy said [2].
This legal battle over the "real" status of the party mirrors previous political crises in India where dissident factions sought official recognition under the anti-defection law. The TMC argues that the rebels' transition to another party is a breach of parliamentary rules [5].
Separately, Banerjee addressed other ongoing matters during his time in the capital. "I will always co-operate with agencies," Banerjee said [6].
“"MPs alone cannot merge with another party."”
This conflict hinges on the interpretation of India's anti-defection law, which is designed to prevent political instability caused by legislators switching parties. By challenging the recognition of the 19 to 20 rebel MPs, the TMC is attempting to avoid a legal precedent that would allow a minority faction to claim the party's identity or official status, which could either force the rebels to vacate their seats or preserve the TMC's legislative numbers.
