Prakash Chik Baraik, a Rajya Sabha MP, resigned from his seat and the Trinamool Congress on June 11, 2026 [1].
The resignation signals a deepening crisis for the Trinamool Congress as it struggles to maintain its legislative strength after losing power in West Bengal. The departure of high-profile members from the upper house weakens the party's influence in New Delhi during a volatile political period.
Baraik announced his decision in the capital, and said that the party no longer possesses a public mandate [2]. He linked his exit directly to the electoral defeat the party suffered in West Bengal, suggesting the party's current position is no longer aligned with the will of the voters [2].
"The party does not have a mandate," Baraik said [3].
He clarified that his exit was a personal choice and not the result of external influence. "There is no pressure on me; this is my own decision," Baraik said [4]. He further noted that he took the step in view of the mandate given by the people [4].
Baraik is the third TMC parliamentarian to resign this week [5]. This trend of departures follows a series of political setbacks for the party in its home state. While some political observers have suggested a potential move toward the Bharatiya Janata Party, Baraik has not confirmed a new party affiliation.
"I have taken this decision in view of the mandate given to the people," Baraik said [4].
“The party does not have a mandate.”
The resignation of Prakash Chik Baraik reflects a broader erosion of confidence within the Trinamool Congress following its loss of power in West Bengal. By explicitly citing a lack of 'mandate,' Baraik highlights a perceived legitimacy crisis within the party leadership. The fact that three parliamentarians have departed within a single week suggests a systemic exodus that could diminish the party's bargaining power in the Rajya Sabha and encourage further defections to opposing coalitions.
