A major political churn appears imminent within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with sources indicating that a significant section of its Lok Sabha MPs may break ranks and establish contact with the BJP as early as Monday.
According to political insiders, around 15 to 16 MPs are likely to meet BJP leadership in Delhi, potentially triggering a major split in the TMC’s parliamentary wing. The development comes in the backdrop of internal dissent that has been brewing since the results of the Bengal Assembly elections.
Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar was among the first to publicly signal discontent following the electoral setback. Over the past two weeks, sources claim, a group of MPs has quietly consolidated support to express lack of confidence in party leadership, particularly Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.
While legal considerations, especially provisions of the anti-defection law, remain a key hurdle, efforts are reportedly underway to navigate these constraints and facilitate a possible shift of allegiance.
Sources suggest that the move, initially planned for later in the week, has been advanced to coincide with a meeting of the opposition alliance ‘INDIA’ in Delhi. Both Mamata and Abhishek are in the national capital to attend the meeting, and political observers believe the BJP may be seeking to counter any potential criticism from the TMC leadership by accelerating developments.
The list of MPs reportedly in touch with the BJP includes Prasun Banerjee, Satabdi Roy, Asit Mal, Bapi Haldar, June Malia, Jagadish Basunia, Kalipada Soren, Arup Chakraborty, Partha Bhowmick, Yusuf Pathan, Dev, and Sharmila Sarkar.
Additionally, Hooghly MP Rachana Banerjee is also believed to have established contact with BJP leaders prior to an overseas visit.
Sources within the BJP’s central leadership indicate that at least three more MPs are maintaining active communication channels with the party. Notably, Asansol MP Shatrughan Sinha is also said to be in touch with BJP leaders.
Meanwhile, developments from the Murshidabad belt have added a new dimension to the unfolding situation. Reports suggest that Abu Taher Khan and Khalilur Rahaman may not formally join the BJP but have distanced themselves from the TMC leadership. They are reportedly considering adopting a neutral stance in parliamentary proceedings.
Despite the intensifying speculation, political observers caution that the situation remains fluid. With legal complexities and last-minute negotiations at play, the final outcome of the day’s developments is yet to be determined.
“If the reported shift materialises, it could mark one of the most significant realignments in West Bengal’s parliamentary politics in recent times, potentially altering the balance of power at the national level,” said a TMC MLA.
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