20 TMC MPs rebel, Party on edge?

Trinamool Congress (TMC) is now facing a fresh rebellion among its MPs after a split in its legislative wing.

On Monday, while party chief Mamata Banerjee attended the INDIA bloc meeting and was seen warmly greeting Sonia Gandhi, showing unity within the alliance, another picture was emerging at the same time.

Several TMC MPs were reportedly in talks with BJP leaders and making a strategy of rebellion. It is being claimed that around 20 MPs have informed the Lok Sabha Speaker of their decision to support the NDA government.

Rebel MPs held a meeting on Sunday

According to sources, the rebel MPs also held a meeting on Sunday. The strategy was that when Mamta Benarjee would attend the INDIA Bloc meeting, at the same time they would announce the formation of a separate group and deliver a political setback on a high-visibility day.

Following a meeting at Union Minister Bhupender Yadav’s residence on Monday, several TMC MPs have claimed to form a separate groups. These MPs were also reported to have met West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari during the visit.

Kakoli may lead rebels

There are also reports that the rebel MPs may choose Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar as their leader instead of Abhishek Banerjee. A meeting of rebel MPs is also said to have taken place at the residence of TMC MP Shatabdi Roy to discuss this.

Decision to support NDA

TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh has claimed that the rebel MPs have decided to back the NDA and have informed the Lok Sabha Speaker about it. The TMC currently has 28 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 12 in the Rajya Sabha. She also claimed that she continues to serve as the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha.

Firhad Hakim met rebel MLA

Meanwhile, in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Firhad Hakim met rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, suggesting that efforts are underway to manage the internal crisis. 

For now, the situation within the Trinamool Congress appears far from settled.