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Rebel MPs have publicly challenged the party leadership, another Rajya Sabha MP has resigned, and speculation over a possible merger with Congress has triggered political intrigue
Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee are struggling to contain the revolt in their party. (AI-Generated Image)
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), already reeling from its electoral defeat in West Bengal, is witnessing one of the most turbulent periods in its history. Rebel MPs have publicly challenged the party leadership, another Rajya Sabha MP has resigned, speculation over a possible merger with Congress has triggered political intrigue, and senior leaders have openly acknowledged that the party is facing an existential crisis.
Here’s a look at all that has happened in the past 48 hours and why it matters.
1. Saugata Roy Admits TMC Faces A Crisis
The clearest acknowledgment of the turmoil came from senior TMC leader and MP Saugata Roy.
Speaking to the media, Roy described the situation as a “crisis” for the party and suggested that rebuilding the opposition space in Bengal may require cooperation with Congress.
His remarks came amid mounting concerns that the TMC’s post-election rebellion is no longer limited to a few disgruntled leaders but has spread across both the legislative and parliamentary wings. The comments were significant because Roy has long been regarded one of Mamata Banerjee’s most trusted lieutenants and his public admission underscored the seriousness of the challenge facing the party.
In an interview to The Indian Express, Roy said Banerjee must listen to the grievances of the people who are still with the party. “She must talk to people. If there are grievances against Abhishek Banerjee, she must tackle those also. Secondly, she must also chart out a plan of movement,” he said.
2. Congress-TMC Merger Speculation Explodes
Political circles were abuzz after TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, days after Mamata Banerjee held talks with Sonia Gandhi.
The back-to-back meetings sparked speculation that the two parties could explore a merger or formal alliance in the aftermath of TMC’s electoral setback. Sougata Roy further fuelled the discussion by saying that both a merger and an alliance with Congress should remain options and that opposition unity was important in the current political climate.
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However, both parties quickly moved to cool the speculation. Congress leaders dismissed reports of merger talks as “baseless rumours”, saying discussions were focused on national political issues and opposition coordination. TMC also issued a clarification stating there had been no proposal or discussion regarding a merger.
3. Rebel MPs Formalise Their Revolt
The most dramatic development was the emergence of a powerful rebel bloc within TMC’s parliamentary ranks.
A letter accessed by CNN-News18 carried signatures by 20 senior TMC MPs who are rebelling against party chief Mamata Banerjee and seeking recognition as a separate group. The signatories included several leaders once considered close to the party leadership, including Saayoni Ghosh and Yusuf Pathan.
With more than two-thirds of TMC’s Lok Sabha MPs backing the move, the rebels believe they can avoid disqualification under anti-defection provisions.
4. Another Rajya Sabha MP Quits
On Thursday, TMC suffered another setback when Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Upper House. His departure came after the resignations of Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Sushmita Dev earlier in the week.
Baraik became the third TMC Rajya Sabha MP to quit within days, further weakening the party’s parliamentary strength. Speaking after his resignation, Baraik said he believed the political mandate in Bengal had shifted in favour of the BJP.
The rapid succession of resignations has fuelled speculation that more exits could follow.
5. Questions Over Abhishek Banerjee’s Role Return
Underlying much of the crisis is a debate over the role played by Abhishek Banerjee in the party’s functioning.
Party insiders suggest that a section of TMC veterans blame the concentration of power around Banerjee’s nephew for alienating senior leaders and creating factional divisions.
Tensions between the old guard and leaders associated with Abhishek’s camp have become one of the central fault lines within the organisation. The issue has resurfaced repeatedly as more leaders leave the party or join the rebel camp.
About the Author
Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, …Read More
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