TMC faces major setback as 20 MPs seek alignment with NDA
The political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated on Monday after a group of 20 Members of Parliament reportedly informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of their intention to align themselves with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), dealing a fresh blow to the party’s leadership.
The development marks a significant expansion of the rebellion that has gripped the Mamata Banerjee-led party in recent weeks. Reports said the MPs submitted a formal communication to the Speaker expressing their desire to function separately from the existing TMC parliamentary leadership and explore a political association with the BJP-led NDA.
The dissident camp, led by senior parliamentarians including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has argued that the party requires a new political direction amid growing internal differences. The rebels are understood to have held consultations in New Delhi before finalising their move.
The latest action comes against the backdrop of an intensifying internal crisis within the TMC. A series of defections, disagreements over leadership decisions and organisational disputes have exposed divisions within the party, particularly after recent political developments in West Bengal.
The gathering of rebel MPs in the national capital has attracted considerable attention in political circles, especially after reports emerged of meetings involving senior BJP leaders. While details of those discussions remain unclear, the developments have fuelled speculation about a possible realignment of forces ahead of future electoral contests.