Kirti Azad Says BJP’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Misfired as TMC Faces Internal Turmoil
TMC MP claims attempts to engineer a split in the party have not succeeded, even as resignations and dissident activity intensify political uncertainty
NEW DELHI, June 12: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to weaken the Mamata Banerjee led party by encouraging defections, asserting that efforts to divide the organisation have not yielded the desired results.
Azad’s remarks came amid escalating turbulence within the TMC following a series of resignations, growing dissent among lawmakers and increasing speculation about a possible realignment of political loyalties in West Bengal.
In a post on social media platform X, the former cricketer turned politician pointed to recent political developments, including the resignation of Rajya Sabha member Prakash Chik Baraik, meetings involving dissident TMC leaders and senior BJP figures, and interactions between opposition leaders and TMC parliamentarians. He described these developments as part of a coordinated attempt to destabilise the ruling party in West Bengal.
According to Azad, the alleged campaign to engineer defections has so far failed to fracture the party’s core support base despite visible signs of unrest within its ranks.
The latest controversy unfolded after a purported document carrying the names and signatures of 19 TMC Lok Sabha MPs surfaced online. While the authenticity of the document could not be independently verified, dissident leaders claimed it reflected support for their position within the party.
The circulation of the list added to the uncertainty surrounding the TMC, which has been grappling with internal divisions since its setback in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. What initially appeared to be dissatisfaction among sections of the party’s state leadership has gradually extended to its parliamentary wing, with rebel leaders claiming backing from a significant number of MPs.
The crisis deepened further this week after Rajya Sabha member Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from both the Upper House and the party. His departure followed the exits of fellow parliamentarians Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Sushmita Dev, intensifying concerns about unity within the organisation.
The political turmoil has also brought longstanding factional differences to the surface. Senior leader Kalyan Banerjee publicly criticised party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and demanded his removal from leadership responsibilities, signalling widening cracks among influential figures within the party structure.
However, Azad sought to downplay the significance of the remarks, describing Kalyan Banerjee as a loyal associate of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who has remained with the party through difficult phases.
Despite the growing rebellion, several prominent TMC leaders have publicly reaffirmed their allegiance to the party leadership. Senior parliamentarians, including Sougata Roy, Shatrughan Sinha, Pratima Mondal and Babul Supriyo, have rejected suggestions that they are aligned with any dissident bloc and reiterated their commitment to Mamata Banerjee.
Azad also alleged that pressure tactics were being used against party leaders, including changes to their security arrangements. He maintained that such measures would not deter those committed to the party’s political struggle.
Emphasising his own political resolve, Azad said public life required courage and determination, adding that he would continue to stand by the party leadership despite the ongoing challenges.
As resignations, counterclaims and internal disagreements continue to dominate headlines, the unfolding developments have emerged as one of the most significant challenges faced by the TMC in recent years, with political observers closely watching whether the party can contain the crisis ahead of future electoral battles.
