Mamata Banerjee defiant as TMC rebel MPs split, cites political curbs

A faction of 20 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs who had joined the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is showing signs of division. Three rebel MPs—Khalilur Rahaman, Abu Taher Khan and Yusuf Pathan—skipped the NDA parliamentary meeting, with Khan telling reporters, "We are not with the NDA, nor are we joining the BJP." Their absence highlights ongoing questions about the legal recognition of the breakaway group under India's anti‑defection law.

Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee responded with a defiant video, urging supporters to stay united and alleging that the BJP‑led government is denying permissions for political programmes, filing false cases against party workers, and curbing fundamental rights. She pledged to continue fighting for the people despite the internal rift and external pressures.