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🇮🇳 India /Elections & Politics

Team rebel swells to 64, late-night raid at Abhishek Banerjee's residence: TMC split worries mount

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces a significant internal crisis, with a growing number of leaders reportedly preparing to break away and form a separate faction.
  • Amidst rising dissent, TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata was raided late Saturday night by a police team accompanied by central security forces.
  • Speculation about a potential party split intensified after a letter signed by 19 rebel MPs emerged, with claims that some rebels aim to support the ruling NDA coalition.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with a deepening internal crisis, marked by a growing rebellion within the party in West Bengal and a significant challenge in Parliament.

Reports indicate that the number of rebel MLAs intending to split from the party has surged to 64, adding to the mounting worries for former chief minister Mamata Banerjee. This internal turmoil comes shortly after the TMC suffered a substantial defeat in the Assembly elections.

So far, these MPs have only indicated that they want to be seen as a separate parliamentary group.

— Person familiar with the developmentsThis source commented on the immediate intentions of the rebel MPs.

Adding to the pressure, a police team, supported by central security forces, conducted a four-hour raid late Saturday night at the Kolkata residence of TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee's nephew. This action occurred amidst increasing dissent directed at him within the party.

As far as I know, these MPs are likely to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, and a major meeting is scheduled for Sunday, which, according to my information, the Chief Minister of Bengal might also attend.

— Riju DuttaSuspended TMC leader Riju Dutta provided information on the rebels' planned activities.

The possibility of a TMC split gained further traction Friday with the emergence of a letter bearing the signatures of 19 rebel MPs. While the Speaker's office has not confirmed receipt, some sources suggest these MPs intend to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The letter, dated May 18, appeared days after the party's electoral setback. The presence of 19 signatures, with serial numbers indicating potentially a 20th signatory, has fueled speculation about a multi-term MP joining the rebel group.

Clarity on the rebels' ultimate goal remains elusive. While some individuals familiar with the developments suggest the MPs wish to form a separate parliamentary group, others, including suspended TMC leader Riju Dutta, have indicated that the rebels aim to support the NDA. According to party provisions, a split requires at least two-thirds of a party's legislators to agree to merge with another party, making the number of signatories crucial.

We did not think that so many MLAs would join us...

— Sandipan SahaExpelled Trinamool leader Sandipan Saha expressed surprise at the growing number of rebels.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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