The Trinamool Congress is facing one of its biggest internal crises in recent years as a group of rebel Lok Sabha MPs reportedly moves to seek recognition as the “real TMC” parliamentary faction. The latest twist involves a letter said to have 19 signatures but 20 serial numbers, creating suspense over a possible 20th rebel MP.
The Speaker’s office has not officially confirmed receipt of the letter. However, reports say the rebel MPs are likely to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday to press their demand for recognition as the original TMC group in the Lok Sabha. The move has intensified speculation that the party could be heading toward a serious split after its defeat in West Bengal.
According to reports, the rebel camp claims the support of 19 TMC Lok Sabha MPs. Earlier political buzz suggested that nearly 20 of the party’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs could be leaning toward the rebel side or supporting the NDA. This is why the missing signature against one serial number has become politically important. It has raised questions over whether another senior MP may be backing the group but has not formally signed yet.
Rebel Camp Pushes Real TMC Claim
TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar reportedly confirmed that she signed the letter and said it had been sent to the Speaker earlier. Another MP, Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, said the letter makes it clear that the rebel group wants to be recognised as the TMC in the Lok Sabha.
The letter has reportedly been signed by several TMC MPs, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Satabdi Roy, Yusuf Pathan, Rachna Banerjee, Saayoni Ghosh, Deepak Adhikari, June Malia and others. TMC insiders, however, continue to dispute the numbers and maintain that the rebel faction does not have the strength it claims.
The legal path is complicated. If the rebel MPs seek recognition as the original TMC parliamentary faction, the Speaker may need to examine the authenticity of signatures and meet the MPs before taking a decision. If they choose to merge with another party, anti-defection law provisions will become crucial. Since the TMC has 28 Lok Sabha MPs, a two-thirds strength would be important for any merger claim.
Mahua Moitra Challenges Rebel MPs
TMC MP Mahua Moitra has strongly challenged the rebels, saying that the Constitution no longer allows a simple “split” or separate bloc to escape disqualification. She argued that MPs who want to support the BJP should resign and contest again on a BJP ticket. Her comments reflect the party leadership’s position that the rebel move is legally unsustainable.
The BJP has so far adopted a wait-and-watch approach. Party leaders have described the turmoil as an internal collapse within the TMC, while reports suggest some rebel MPs have been in contact with senior BJP leaders. If the rebel group supports the NDA, it could strengthen the ruling alliance in Parliament during key legislative battles.
The crisis has also brought attention back to tensions within the TMC after its West Bengal defeat. Several leaders have reportedly blamed the party’s leadership style and internal decision-making. Abhishek Banerjee, a senior party leader and Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, has become a major target of criticism from the rebel side.
For now, the mystery over the 20th serial number remains the biggest talking point. Until the Speaker verifies the letter, signatures and legal position, the rebel claim cannot be treated as final. Still, the episode has exposed a deep power struggle within the TMC and could reshape Bengal politics if the rebel camp succeeds in gaining formal recognition.
