In a significant move reflecting the internal strife within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party leader Abhishek Banerjee has formally approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding the disqualification of 20 MPs who have reportedly rebelled against the party. This request comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for the TMC, following its recent setbacks in the state Assembly elections held in May.

During a press conference after his meeting with Speaker Birla, Banerjee emphasized that the provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution are clear. He stated that any member who voluntarily resigns from their political party should face disqualification as a Member of Parliament (MP). “If these members were elected under a specific party symbol and are now declaring their allegiance to a different party two years post-election, their membership should immediately be revoked,” he asserted.

This call for disqualification stems from an alarming announcement made by TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who revealed that a significant faction of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs intends to merge with the Tripura-based Nationalist Citizens Party. Furthermore, they plan to align themselves with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance in the Lok Sabha, which could severely weaken the TMC’s standing in Parliament.

Banerjee further explained that the Constitution stipulates that a merger is only valid if at least two-thirds of the party members agree to it. He highlighted the importance of integrity among those members who have chosen to rebel, suggesting they should resign rather than continue to hold their positions as MPs. “If they possess any integrity, they should resign as members of Parliament,” he stated, underscoring his disapproval of their actions.

The TMC, once a formidable political force in West Bengal, has been grappling with significant internal divisions since its electoral defeat earlier this year. This latest episode of dissent is indicative of the challenges facing the party, as it attempts to maintain its influence in both state and national politics. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how the party navigates these rebellions and whether Banerjee’s appeals yield any results in preserving party unity.