In a significant political development, Prakash Chik Baraik, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), tendered his resignation as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. This marks the third resignation from the party in just four days, raising eyebrows about the internal stability of the TMC following its recent electoral setbacks.
Baraik cited the sentiment of the people in West Bengal as a motivating factor behind his decision, referencing the TMC’s defeat in the state assembly elections held in May, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious. He stated to ANI, “I am accepting the opinion of the people of West Bengal,” though it remains ambiguous whether he will also exit the TMC, similar to his two colleagues who have already left the party this week.
When approached by reporters regarding a potential shift to the BJP, Baraik responded cryptically, saying that “time will tell.” He had only joined the Rajya Sabha in August 2023 and had more than three years remaining in his term, making his departure particularly noteworthy.
The resignations within the TMC began earlier this week with Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, another Rajya Sabha member, who resigned on Monday, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction post-election. He explicitly stated his resignation from the party, emphasizing the need for introspection within the TMC after its electoral performance. Following this, Sushmita Dev also stepped down from her position in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, citing personal and political reasons for her departure.
These recent exits highlight the growing discontent within the TMC, especially after the party’s significant losses in the assembly elections. The internal fractures have become more apparent, with reports suggesting that a faction of TMC leaders is rallying behind the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha. Notably, at least 20 of the TMC’s 28 MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have reportedly expressed their support for the NDA, further complicating the party’s already turbulent situation.
In addition to the resignations, expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has also come forward, claiming that a faction within the party is considering aligning with other political entities. This could signal a dramatic shift in West Bengal’s political landscape, as the TMC grapples with maintaining unity and addressing the frustrations of its members.
The situation continues to evolve, and with the TMC at a crossroads, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the party’s future trajectory. The recent developments may serve as a litmus test for the TMC’s leadership and its ability to regroup and address the dissent brewing within its ranks.
