Double whammy for Mamata Banerjee? Buzz over repeat of TMC rebellion in Parliament

Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) may face a parliamentary rebellion echoing a recent internal dispute within the West Bengal state assembly. Speculation is mounting that a faction of TMC Members of Parliament could follow the path of state legislators who defied party leadership.

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I have never seen around 60 MLAs leave in such a short span of time. A similar reaction is likely in the Lok Sabha too.

In West Bengal, approximately 60 out of 80 TMC MLAs supported expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee for the Leader of the Opposition position, bypassing the party's official nominee. This move has raised concerns among senior TMC figures. Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy warned that a similar reaction could occur in the Lok Sabha, though he remained cautious about the Rajya Sabha's potential response.

However, other party leaders express confidence in Banerjee's ability to navigate the crisis. TMC MP Sougata Roy suggested that the state assembly's events were a temporary setback and that the party is not on the brink of collapse. He anticipates potential attempts by the BJP to destabilize the TMC in Parliament but believes Banerjee, a seasoned politician, will recover.

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The BJP may try an operation in the TMC's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha wings, similar to what happened in the West Bengal Assembly. But Mamata Banerjee has fought bigger battles and will bounce back.

Despite the dissent, some rebel MLAs still view Banerjee as a central figure. During a meeting, several expressed discomfort with suggestions that Banerjee might serve merely as a "chief adviser," insisting she should lead the party. This indicates that while internal challenges exist, Banerjee's authority, though tested, remains a significant factor within the TMC.

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We were told that the party would continue under Mamata Banerjee's leadership. She is not merely an adviser. We want the party to function under her leadership.