Trinamool Congress rebel MPs seek Lok Sabha recognition as real TMC

A faction of 19‑20 Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha members plans to meet Speaker Om Birla on June 15, asking for formal recognition as the party’s “real TMC” parliamentary group. The rebels, led by MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, have submitted a letter and intend to support the BJP‑led National Democratic Alliance in Parliament. Senior aide Sudip Bandyopadhyay recently joined the dissident camp, raising its strength to 20 MPs. The move follows TMC’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections and a wave of defections, including three Rajya Sabha resignations. Former TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale warned that any alignment with the NDA would trigger disqualification under the anti‑defection law, noting that the 91st constitutional amendment removed protection for party splits. The rebels also seek separate seating in the Lok Sabha and control over the party’s ₹220‑crore assets. The internal revolt poses a significant challenge to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and could alter parliamentary dynamics if the speaker grants the request.