The political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Thursday after party MP Mahua Moitra strongly challenged claims made by rebel leaders that they have the support of nearly 20 Members of Parliament.
Speaking amid growing speculation over defections from the party, Moitra dismissed the rebels’ numbers and argued that if such support genuinely existed, concrete evidence would already be in the public domain.
Mahua Questions Rebels’ Numbers
Reacting to claims by rebel leaders that they enjoy the backing of around 20 TMC MPs, Moitra said the responsibility of proving those numbers lies with the dissidents themselves.
According to her, if the rebels truly had the required strength, they would have already submitted a formal letter, displayed signatures, and held a joint press conference.
She maintained that no such evidence has emerged so far and asserted that the rebel camp does not possess the numbers it claims.
Anti-Defection Law Still a Major Hurdle
Moitra also highlighted the legal complexities involved in any attempt to break away from the Trinamool Congress.
She explained that under India’s anti-defection framework, simply gathering a group of MPs is not enough to gain recognition as a separate political entity.
According to her, two-thirds of the political party—not merely the parliamentary wing—must leave and formally merge with another party for protection from anti-defection provisions.
She argued that the rebels have not met that threshold and therefore remain vulnerable to legal and political consequences.
“Separate Bloc Won’t Change Much”
The TMC leader said that even if the rebels managed to secure significant support within Parliament, their options would remain limited.
She noted that forming a separate seating arrangement in Parliament does not automatically grant recognition as an independent political faction.
According to Moitra, any group choosing to sit separately would still face significant political challenges and uncertainty regarding its long-term future.
Rebel Camp Claims Support for NDA
The controversy erupted after Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claimed that nearly 20 TMC MPs had decided to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The rebel group reportedly plans to seek separate recognition and seating arrangements in Parliament.
To avoid anti-defection proceedings, however, the dissidents would need support from at least two-thirds of the party’s Lok Sabha members.
The development has added fresh uncertainty to the political landscape in West Bengal.
Mahua Responds to Sushmita Dev’s Exit
Moitra also addressed the resignation of Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev from the Trinamool Congress.
She stated that every political leader is free to make individual choices and noted that the party had supported Dev by nominating her to the Rajya Sabha on two occasions.
While refraining from directly criticising Dev, Moitra said only the former MP could explain the reasons behind her departure.
Calls Ongoing Exodus a ‘Cleansing’
Despite a series of resignations and internal challenges, Moitra insisted that the mood within the party remains positive.
In a striking remark, she described the departures as a form of political “cleansing” and suggested that the exits could ultimately strengthen the organisation.
She praised TMC chief Mamata Banerjee for her loyalty and emotional connection with party leaders, while also indicating that some individuals who benefited from the party had not contributed enough in return.
Growing Challenge for Trinamool Congress
The Trinamool Congress is currently navigating one of the most difficult phases in its recent history.
Following electoral setbacks and a wave of resignations, the party leadership has intensified efforts to maintain unity and strengthen ties with opposition allies.
Recent meetings between senior TMC leaders and Congress leadership have fuelled speculation about future political cooperation, even as the party battles internal dissent.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on whether the rebel camp can demonstrate the numbers it claims to possess and how the Trinamool Congress responds to the challenge in the weeks ahead.
