Kirti Azad (Trinamool Congress) said 20 rebel party lawmakers are traitors on Tuesday after reports they merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India [1].
The public condemnation signals a deepening rift within the Trinamool Congress, potentially threatening the party's legislative stability and its leadership under Mamata Banerjee.
Speaking in New Delhi, Azad said the lawmakers betrayed both the party and the people of West Bengal [1]. He questioned the legality of the alleged merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India, suggesting the move was a breach of political trust [1].
Azad also alleged that the defection was not a unified front. He said there is a rebellion among the traitors over who will become a minister (MoS) [3]. This internal struggle for ministerial berths suggests that personal ambition is driving the friction among the rebel group [3].
While some reports indicate the 20 MPs merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India [1], other claims suggest a different trajectory. Earlier reports indicated that 20 MPs and 50 MLAs were in contact with the BJP and preparing to switch sides [4].
Additional turmoil has been reported regarding the party's future. Suspended leader Riju Dutta said 50 MLAs were holding discussions about the party's direction [5]. Azad said that some individuals involved in the unrest were threatened [3].
Despite these challenges, Azad maintained his defense of the party's leadership. He focused his criticism on those he described as traitors who prioritized individual gain over the interests of their constituents [1].
“"These 20 MPs are traitors who have betrayed the people of West Bengal."”
The alleged defection of 20 MPs creates a volatile situation for the Trinamool Congress, as it risks losing a significant bloc of legislative power. The contradiction between reports of a merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and contacts with the BJP suggests a fragmented opposition within the party, where different factions may be negotiating with different rivals to secure ministerial positions.
