TMC Rebel MPs Move Towards NDA, Inform Speaker of Merger with NCPI.

New Delhi: In a major political development that could reshape the parliamentary landscape, a group of 20 rebel Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of its decision to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and extend support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The rebel faction, reportedly led by MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, met the Speaker and submitted a formal communication regarding the proposed merger. The group has also requested separate recognition in the Lok Sabha and seating arrangements alongside NDA members.

According to the rebels, 20 of TMC’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs are backing the move. By claiming the support of more than two-thirds of the parliamentary party, the faction is seeking protection under provisions related to mergers in India’s anti-defection law.

Political observers believe the merger with the Tripura-based NCPI is a strategic attempt to avoid disqualification proceedings. If recognized, the enlarged NCPI bloc could emerge as one of the larger groups in the Lok Sabha and significantly strengthen the NDA’s numbers in Parliament.

The development has triggered strong opposition from the TMC leadership. Senior party leader Abhishek Banerjee has reportedly written to the Lok Sabha Speaker, urging him not to recognize the rebel group as a separate bloc and insisting that the Trinamool Congress should continue to be treated as a single parliamentary party.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has called for the disqualification of the rebel MPs, arguing that individual legislators cannot simply shift allegiance to another political party without attracting provisions of the anti-defection law.

The political standoff is expected to lead to a legal and constitutional battle, with the Speaker’s decision likely to play a crucial role in determining the future status of the rebel MPs. Analysts say the episode could have significant implications for both West Bengal politics and the balance of power in the national Parliament.

Key Highlights

20 rebel TMC MPs have informed the Lok Sabha Speaker about their proposed merger with NCPI.
The faction intends to support the NDA in Parliament.
Rebels claim support from more than two-thirds of TMC’s Lok Sabha MPs.
TMC leadership has opposed the move and sought non-recognition of the rebel bloc.
Legal questions under the anti-defection law are expected to shape the outcome of the controversy.