NEW DELHI: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is confronting one of the most significant internal challenges in its history after 19 Lok Sabha MPs reportedly backed the formation of a separate faction within the party, intensifying political uncertainty following its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.
The development came after a group of rebel parliamentarians submitted a formal communication to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking recognition as a distinct bloc in the Lower House. The move is being viewed as a major setback for the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, whose party lost power in West Bengal after ruling the state for 15 years.
The breakaway initiative is being spearheaded by senior TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and has received support from a substantial section of the party’s parliamentary contingent. Among the prominent names associated with the faction are former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan, actor turned politician Saayoni Ghosh, Rachna Banerjee, Satabdi Roy, Mala Roy and Deepak Adhikari.
Political observers noted that the rebel camp commands the support of more than two-thirds of the party’s Lok Sabha strength. Under the provisions of the anti defection law, this numerical advantage could enable the group to seek separate recognition without attracting disqualification proceedings.
The Trinamool Congress currently holds 28 seats in the Lok Sabha and remains one of the largest opposition parties in Parliament. A split involving 19 members would significantly alter the party’s parliamentary influence and reshape opposition politics at the national level.
Sources indicated that the dissident lawmakers have maintained that they are not planning to formally join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, they are reportedly open to extending issue based support to the ruling coalition on selected matters in Parliament.
The rebellion comes at a time when the party is grappling with the fallout of its electoral defeat in West Bengal. The loss ended TMC’s decade-and-a-half-long dominance in the state and triggered intense discussions over leadership, organisational strategy and the party’s future direction.
The latest developments suggest growing dissatisfaction among sections of the party leadership and lawmakers. Analysts believe the emergence of a parallel faction could further weaken the organisation’s position both within Parliament and in West Bengal politics.
Adding to the pressure on the party leadership, reports indicate that resignations have also emerged from the Rajya Sabha, with several members stepping down from both the Upper House and the party. These exits have fuelled speculation about a broader political realignment within the organisation.
Political experts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the party leadership can contain the crisis or whether the dissident group will formally establish itself as an independent parliamentary force. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for opposition unity and the political landscape in West Bengal ahead of future electoral contests.
As uncertainty continues, attention remains focused on the response of the party leadership and the Speaker’s office regarding the status of the breakaway faction and its future role in Parliament.