Trinamool Congress split as 20 MPs pledge support to BJP‑led NDA

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing its biggest internal crisis since its 2024 defeat in the West Bengal assembly election. More than 20 of the party’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs have reportedly sent a letter to Speaker Om Birla stating that they will support the BJP‑led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Parliament. The move, led by chief whip Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, seeks to form a separate parliamentary bloc while avoiding disqualification under anti‑defection rules. Dastidar said, “We have accepted the people’s verdict and believe our future political course should be aligned with the NDA.”

Prominent TMC figures have voiced strong reactions. MP Mahua Moitra criticised fellow MP Yusuf Pathan for allegedly meeting Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to “have some shame and some spine.” Former cricketer‑turned‑MP Kirti Azad demanded that any rebel MPs resign before contesting on a BJP ticket, calling them “traitors.” Congress general secretary KC Venugopal accused the BJP of using “undemocratic ways” to weaken opposition parties, including the TMC.

The rebellion follows earlier defections, including the resignation of senior leaders Sukhendu Shekhar Roy and Sushmita Dev from the Rajya Sabha. Actor‑politician Saayoni Ghosh, once a staunch supporter of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is also reported to be aligning with the rebel faction. The unfolding split threatens the TMC’s parliamentary strength and could alter the balance of power in the Lok Sabha.