The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sought an urgent appointment with President Droupadi Murmu and the Governor of West Bengal following an alleged attack and vandalism at the party's office on Camac Street in Kolkata on Thursday morning.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that BJP workers were behind the incident, claiming that the attackers entered the party office in the early hours, damaged equipment and took away electronic items. He also questioned the response of the Kolkata Police and demanded action against those responsible. 

TMC Seeks Intervention

The party's decision to approach the President and the West Bengal Governor comes amid heightened political tensions in the state. The TMC has sought an opportunity to present its concerns regarding the alleged attack and the law-and-order situation.

The incident took place at the TMC office on Camac Street, a prominent location in central Kolkata. Visuals circulated after the incident showed damage inside the premises, while separate footage purportedly showed masked and helmeted men leaving the office with items including television sets and a printer. 

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges BJP Role

Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP workers of carrying out the alleged attack and described the incident as a serious law-and-order concern. He claimed that party workers were assaulted and that mobile phones and office equipment were taken or damaged.

Banerjee also alleged that the police were informed about the incident but did not respond promptly. He demanded that those involved in the alleged attack be identified and arrested.

The allegations have not been treated as established facts, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation.

BJP Rejects Allegations

The BJP has rejected the TMC's allegations. BJP leader Sajal Ghosh described the incident as staged, according to reports, and questioned the TMC's version of events. 

The competing claims have added to an already tense political atmosphere in West Bengal, with both parties trading allegations over the incident.

Police Investigation Underway

The incident has drawn the attention of Kolkata Police, with reports stating that six people have been detained in connection with the alleged vandalism. Authorities are expected to examine CCTV footage and other evidence to establish what happened at the party office and identify those responsible.

The police investigation will be significant in determining whether the allegations made by the political parties are supported by evidence.

Earlier Dispute at Same Office

The latest incident comes days after another controversy involving the same Camac Street premises. On August 27, a confrontation reportedly broke out when Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, accompanied by police personnel, attempted to remove an allegedly unauthorised hoarding from the building.

TMC leaders Derek O'Brien and Abhishek Banerjee were subsequently questioned by police in connection with that episode. Multiple cases were registered and several people were arrested in the earlier matter. 

Political Tensions Escalate

The latest confrontation is likely to intensify the political exchanges between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal. The TMC has sought intervention from constitutional authorities, while the BJP has disputed the party's account of the incident.

The investigation and any subsequent action by law-enforcement authorities will determine the next course of the matter.

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Trinamool Congress leader Ashish Banerjee was found hanging at a TMC office near his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday morning, August 16. Police said a purported suicide note was also recovered from the office.

Banerjee, who had served as a minister and five-term MLA from Rampurhat, was found dead at the party office located close to his home in Hattalapara, Ward No. 5. Police have sent his body for post-mortem examination, while further investigation is underway.

Suicide Note Mentions Allegations

According to the reported contents of the note, Banerjee denied allegations of corruption and said attempts had been made to damage his reputation.

The note reportedly referred to a sand tender and stated that he had neither taken money for any work nor been involved in corruption. It also reportedly denied any role in tender-related matters, plan approvals, no-objection certificates or cheques concerning the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA).

The note reportedly said that no one was responsible for his death and expressed regret over entering politics.

Police have not yet publicly established the circumstances surrounding his death, and the contents of the purported note will form part of the investigation.

Five-Term Rampurhat MLA

Banerjee was a prominent TMC leader and was considered a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

After the Trinamool Congress formed the government in West Bengal, he held ministerial responsibilities in several departments, including School Education and Agriculture.

He represented the Rampurhat Assembly constituency for five consecutive terms, winning elections in 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. He also served as Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly during an earlier TMC government.

However, Banerjee lost the 2026 Assembly election from Rampurhat to BJP candidate Dhruba Saha.

Flag Hoisting a Day Earlier

A day before his death, on Independence Day, Banerjee had participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony near his residence in Birbhum. He also shared photographs from the event on Facebook.

According to his brother, Prashant Banerjee, the family became suspicious after noticing a rope through a small gap in the door of the office. Family members were subsequently contacted and the police were informed.

Prashant said the family had met Banerjee regularly and had not noticed anything unusual until Saturday night. He had spent the day at his office and appeared normal during the Independence Day programme.

Resigned from District Post

Banerjee had stepped down from his organisational positions in the Trinamool Congress on June 2. He resigned as the party's Birbhum district president and chairman of the district core committee.

At the time, he said the core committee had become inactive and there was no longer a need for it to continue functioning. He said he would remain associated with the party as an ordinary member.

Investigation Underway

The discovery of Banerjee's body at a party office and the reported contents of the suicide note have prompted police to examine his recent political and personal circumstances.

The post-mortem examination and investigation will be important in establishing the circumstances of his death. Authorities are also expected to examine the allegations and references contained in the purported note.

Banerjee's death comes just months after the West Bengal Assembly election, in which the veteran TMC leader lost the Rampurhat seat he had represented for five consecutive terms.

The roughly hour-long meeting took place at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Monday. Neither side issued an official statement on what was discussed. Bandyopadhyay is among the 20 MPs who left Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress a few weeks after the West Bengal Assembly elections to join the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) — a move that has kept questions swirling ever since about the party's future direction and political alignment.

According to sources, Adhikari had originally planned to travel to Delhi himself to meet the 20 rebel MPs, but cancelled the trip at the last minute, instead informing some senior NCPI MPs over the phone that he wouldn't be coming. A senior NCPI MP said the proposed meeting between the Chief Minister and the party's MPs has been postponed for now, though all the party's MPs will still attend the scheduled NDA meeting as planned.

The Nabanna meeting has intensified talk that the newly formed NCPI could be moving closer to the BJP-led coalition at the Centre. The party had already signalled a similar direction on July 19, when its MPs attended an all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session — read at the time as an early indication of growing coordination with the ruling alliance.

Since breaking away from TMC, Bandyopadhyay and the other 19 rebel MPs have met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group, and have also expressed a wish to sit alongside NDA's allied parties in the Lok Sabha. If the Speaker grants recognition to NCPI along with all 20 MPs, the party could become one of the NDA's largest allied groups in the Lok Sabha.

With NCPI's MPs set to attend Tuesday's NDA meeting regardless of the postponed Adhikari sit-down, the coming days are likely to bring further clarity on just how close the two sides are actually moving — and what that could mean for the balance of power both in Parliament and within West Bengal's fractured political landscape.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the financial affairs of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by summoning Subhasish Chakraborty, treasurer of the Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction and former Rajya Sabha MP. He has been directed to appear before the agency later this week with documents related to the party's bank accounts as investigators examine an alleged ₹164 crore discrepancy.

According to ED sources, Chakraborty was served the summons because he is the authorised signatory for the Kalighat faction's three official bank accounts. Investigators are seeking financial records and transaction details as part of a wider probe into the management and movement of party funds.

The ED action comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is embroiled in a legal dispute before the Calcutta High Court over the ownership of the party's election symbol and control of its bank accounts following the political split within the organisation.

₹164 Crore Discrepancy Under Scanner

The investigation gained momentum after proceedings in the Calcutta High Court reportedly brought to light an alleged discrepancy of nearly ₹164 crore in the party's financial records. The issue prompted the central agency to widen its inquiry and seek additional documentation from those responsible for managing the accounts.

Officials believe Chakraborty's role as the authorised signatory makes him a key witness in understanding the transactions and operation of the accounts under investigation.

Reacting to the summons, Chakraborty said he would first consult senior party leaders before deciding his next course of action. Sources indicated that he has also sought additional time from the ED before appearing for questioning.

High Court Battle Over Party Accounts

The financial probe is closely linked to the ongoing legal battle arising from the split within the Trinamool Congress after the Assembly election defeat.

The Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction and the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction are both claiming to be the legitimate Trinamool Congress. The dispute extends beyond political leadership to the ownership of the party's election symbol and its financial assets.

Before Chakraborty's appointment, senior leader Aroop Biswas served as the party's treasurer. After joining the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction, Biswas reportedly moved to freeze the party's three bank accounts. The Kalighat faction subsequently appointed Chakraborty as treasurer and challenged the move before the Calcutta High Court.

At present, Chakraborty continues to remain the authorised signatory for all three disputed bank accounts.

Factional Split Deepens Political Crisis

The internal division has significantly altered the political landscape within the party. According to claims made during the legal proceedings, the Ritobrata Banerjee faction enjoys the support of 68 MLAs, while the remaining legislators continue to back Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat camp.

The High Court is currently examining the competing claims over the party's organisational control, election symbol and financial assets. Meanwhile, the ED is conducting a separate investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.

Earlier ED Visit Also Drew Attention

The latest summons follows an incident last month when ED officials visited Mamata Banerjee's residence during the course of the investigation. According to agency sources, Chakraborty allegedly prevented officials from entering the residence in the absence of the Chief Minister.

That incident further heightened tensions between the agency and the party leadership, while the financial investigation continued independently.

Investigation Continues

The ED is expected to examine banking records, financial transactions and related documents after Chakraborty's appearance. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the alleged discrepancy involves procedural lapses or financial irregularities requiring further legal action.

The outcome of both the High Court proceedings and the ED investigation is likely to have significant implications for the ongoing dispute over the Trinamool Congress's organisational and financial control.

West Bengal's political landscape witnessed another dramatic chapter on Martyrs' Day as Mamata Banerjee issued a stern warning to party leaders and workers against joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), declaring that anyone leaving for the BJP would not be welcomed back into her faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The annual political observance assumed greater significance this year as it marked the first Martyrs' Day since the BJP formed the government in West Bengal, amid a deeply altered political landscape following the split in the Trinamool Congress.

Mamata Sends Strong Message to Party Workers

Addressing a large gathering, Mamata Banerjee urged party leaders to remain loyal during challenging political times. She warned that those switching allegiance to the BJP should not expect to return to her party in the future.

The remarks were seen as a direct attempt to prevent further defections amid heightened political competition in the state.

The rally witnessed a massive turnout of supporters despite restrictions imposed on attendance, with party workers gathering to reaffirm support for Mamata's leadership.

Split TMC Holds Separate Martyrs' Day Rallies

For the first time, both factions of the Trinamool Congress observed Martyrs' Day separately following the party's split.

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction organised its rally near Birla Planetarium in Kolkata's Nandan area, while the faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritobrato Banerjee held its programme on Mayo Road near the Gandhi statue.

Meanwhile, the Congress also organised its own Martyrs' Day programme at Shahid Minar, making the day one of the busiest political events in the state.

High Court Alters Traditional Venue

Unlike previous years, the traditional venue at Dorina Crossing in Esplanade was not used for the event.

Following directions from the Calcutta High Court, separate locations were allocated for the rival Trinamool factions to maintain law and order.

The court also imposed attendance limits, permitting a maximum of 2,500 participants at the Mamata Banerjee-led rally and 750 participants at the Ritobrato Banerjee faction's gathering.

Authorities deployed security personnel across central Kolkata to ensure peaceful conduct of all political programmes.

TMC Alleges Stage Vandalism

Ahead of the rally, the Mamata Banerjee faction alleged that the stage prepared for the event was vandalised late Sunday night.

According to senior TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee, around 25 to 30 unidentified motorcycle-borne individuals damaged parts of the stage. The party accused "BJP-backed goons" of carrying out the incident.

Kalyan Banerjee further alleged that despite the High Court's permission for the programme, police personnel were not present near the venue when the alleged vandalism occurred.

Mamata Inspects Venue

After receiving information about the alleged incident, Mamata Banerjee reportedly returned to the rally venue late Sunday night to inspect the stage preparations personally.

The incident added to the already tense political atmosphere surrounding this year's Martyrs' Day observance.

Political Significance

This year's Martyrs' Day carried exceptional political significance due to the changing equations in West Bengal.

The split within the Trinamool Congress, the BJP's rise to power in the state, and the emergence of new political alignments have reshaped Bengal's political landscape.

Political observers believe Mamata Banerjee's remarks against defectors signal an effort to consolidate her support base as the state heads into another phase of intense political competition.

With rival political camps mobilising supporters across Kolkata, Martyrs' Day once again served as a major show of political strength in West Bengal.

A fresh political confrontation has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee accused the state administration and police of acting unlawfully during the demolition of his party office in Amtala, South 24 Parganas. Banerjee alleged that police personnel, along with BJP workers, removed office equipment and documents after the demolition, calling the incident "robbery in police uniform."

The controversy follows Saturday's demolition of the front portion of the office building by the district administration, which claimed that the structure had been constructed without the necessary approvals. The action has intensified the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and the TMC ahead of key political developments in the state.

Abhishek Shares Video, Levels Serious Allegations

Soon after the demolition, Abhishek Banerjee posted a video on social media platform X, alleging that police officers, in collusion with BJP supporters, entered the office and removed laptops, printers, official documents, furniture and other equipment.

According to the TMC leader, the action amounted to theft carried out under official protection rather than lawful enforcement. He claimed the property was removed despite the matter being pending before the Calcutta High Court, alleging that due legal procedures were ignored.

Banerjee described the incident as evidence of what he called the BJP government's "bulldozer model," accusing the administration of using state machinery to target political opponents.

TMC Plans Legal Action

The TMC has announced that it will challenge the demolition before the Calcutta High Court and, if necessary, approach the Supreme Court. The party also claimed that video footage of the incident has been forwarded to the Office of the Chief Justice of India, alleging vandalism and unlawful removal of property.

Banerjee asserted that legal proceedings would be initiated against everyone allegedly involved in the incident, warning that political protection would not shield those responsible.

Administration Defends Demolition

The district administration has rejected allegations of illegal action, stating that the demolition followed established legal procedures.

Officials said complaints had been received regarding unauthorized construction at the office premises. According to the administration, notices were issued on 15 July, asking the concerned parties to appear for a hearing and explain the alleged violations.

Since no response was received despite repeated notices, authorities decided to proceed with enforcement action and removed the portion of the building that was allegedly constructed without approval.

Amtala Office Held Strategic Political Importance

The demolished office in Amtala has long served as a key organisational centre for Abhishek Banerjee's political activities in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency. Following his election as MP in 2014 and appointment as TMC National General Secretary in 2021, the office became an important hub for constituency management, election planning and party coordination.

Although the office reportedly remained closed after the TMC's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, it continued to hold symbolic and political significance for the party in South 24 Parganas, traditionally considered one of its strongest regions.

Political Tensions Continue to Rise

The demolition comes amid increasing political friction between the ruling BJP-led administration and the TMC. Earlier this month, Abhishek Banerjee had alleged that investigative agencies, including the STF and CID, were selectively targeting his associates.

With both sides standing by their claims, the dispute is now expected to move into the courts, where the legality of the demolition and the allegations surrounding the removal of office property are likely to be examined.

The veteran Trinamool Congress leader — once described by Banerjee herself as the party's "most colourful personality" — remains one of the few prominent former ministers and sitting MLAs who have publicly reaffirmed loyalty to Banerjee and her nephew, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, as the party's internal crisis has deepened over the past several weeks.

The rift traces back to the TMC's defeat to the BJP in West Bengal's May 2026 Assembly elections, which cost Banerjee both the chief ministership and, subsequently, control over large parts of her own party. A rebel faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, the sitting Leader of the Opposition, has since moved aggressively to establish what it calls the "real" Trinamool Congress — taking physical control of the party's Kolkata headquarters, Trinamool Bhavan, on July 3, a day after meeting Election Commission officials in Delhi to stake claim to the party's name and symbol. The rebel camp claims the backing of at least 58 of the party's 80 MLAs.

Mitra pushed back hard against the takeover from the start, arguing the rebel MLAs had no constitutional authority to restructure the party, since Banerjee remains its chairperson under the TMC's own constitution. His position has held even as the list of defectors has grown to include nearly every senior figure from Banerjee's 2011-2026 cabinet — Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Javed Khan, Jyotipriya Mallick and Arup Roy among them, with former West Bengal TMC president Chandrima Bhattacharya the most recent to cross over, resigning all her party posts on July 5 after Banerjee questioned her loyalty. Two other former ministers, Bratya Basu and Shashi Panja, have stayed publicly silent, neither reaffirming loyalty to Banerjee nor joining the rebels.

Banerjee has responded by consolidating what remains of her camp directly. On July 4, she announced she would personally take over as West Bengal TMC president — a post left vacant after Bhattacharya's exit — and inducted Mitra along with Kunal Ghosh as General Secretaries of the state committee. The rebel faction, for its part, has continued building out a parallel structure, naming former minister Biplab Mitra as its state president, Javed Khan as working president, and expanding to 17 district-level presidents earlier this week, including former Birbhum strongman Anubrata Mondal. Ritabrata has said the faction wants Banerjee to remain associated with the party as a mentor, while separately claiming that MLAs voted to remove her as chairperson altogether — a claim Mitra has rejected as procedurally impossible.

The standoff now sits partly in legal limbo. A petition challenging the Assembly Speaker's recognition of Ritabrata as Leader of the Opposition was denied interim relief, and analysts following the dispute suggest the fight over which faction legally controls the TMC's name, symbol and headquarters will likely need to be settled in court rather than through further organisational announcements from either side.

With July 21 — the date of TMC's traditional Martyrs' Day rally — approaching, both camps are widely expected to use the occasion as their next major show of strength.

The Gouripur Jame Masjid — also known as Bankra Masjid or Bakra Masjid — is a 136-year-old mosque that predates Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport itself. As the airport expanded over the decades, the mosque ended up sitting inside the security zone near the secondary runway, close enough to the flight path that the touchdown point has reportedly been shifted 88 metres south for safety, reducing the runway's usable length to around 2,832 metres — enough only for smaller aircraft like the A320 or Boeing 737.

Entry passes for devotees, previously issued after Aadhaar verification, were suspended over the weekend, with authorities initially citing rain damage to the access road and security concerns flagged by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Mosque committee president and former West Bengal minister Maulana Siddiqullah Chowdhury — who is also associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind in the state — objected strongly, saying the gates were shut without prior notice and with CISF assistance, and has written to the airport director seeking clarity on when prayers can resume.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar addressed the issue directly this week, saying the mosque near the runway will be relocated and accusing previous state governments of avoiding the issue for years due to what he called appeasement politics. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari went further, arguing that national security concerns override other considerations, and suggested Chowdhury's objections had been comparatively restrained only because he was now dealing with a different state government than before.

The dispute isn't new. Airport officials say every past attempt by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to relocate the mosque was blocked for political reasons under previous state governments, going back through the tenures of Jyoti Basu, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and Mamata Banerjee. At a meeting earlier this year with the North 24 Parganas District Magistrate's office, airport officials presented maps outlining the technical and safety challenges posed by the mosque's location, to which the mosque committee responded that it lacked the authority to make a decision of that scale on its own and asked officials to approach the state's larger Muslim organisations instead.

BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, whose constituency includes the airport, said the mosque committee currently isn't willing to relocate, but that authorities have offered an alternative arrangement if they agree to shift.

Whether Tuesday's suspension of entry passes turns into a lasting resolution, or becomes another chapter in a dispute that has already outlasted three chief ministers, remains unclear. Both the mosque committee and state and central authorities appear to be waiting on each other for the next move.

The internal conflict within the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified, with the party's rival factions now taking their battle to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The faction led by Mamata Banerjee has formally submitted a revised National Executive Committee to the poll body, seeking to reinforce its claim over the party's organisational structure. The move comes amid a growing challenge from a rebel group headed by Rittabrata Banerjee, which is also preparing to stake its claim over the party's leadership, name, and election symbol. The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the power struggle that emerged following the party's disappointing performance in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Political observers believe the dispute could become one of the most closely watched organisational battles in recent years, with implications extending beyond state politics.

The revised organisational list submitted by the Mamata Banerjee camp names her as the party chairperson and Abhishek Banerjee as national general secretary. The list also includes senior leaders such as Chandrima Bhattacharya, Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen and Subhasish Chakraborty in key organisational positions.

According to party sources, the revised committee was finalised and sent to the Election Commission while the rival faction was simultaneously holding a special convention in New Town, Kolkata. The convention reportedly focused on creating an alternative national leadership structure for the party.

Rival Claims Intensify

The Rittabrata Banerjee-led faction has claimed that it enjoys majority support within the party's legislative wing. During its convention, the group announced a separate National Executive Committee that excluded both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee from leadership positions.

The rebel camp elected Arup Roy as chairperson, while Rittabrata Banerjee was appointed among the party's general secretaries. The faction has indicated that it plans to formally submit its organisational structure to the Election Commission in the coming days.

Meanwhile, several leaders who were earlier associated with the party's official organisational structure have reportedly been removed from key positions. The development highlights the widening divide within the Trinamool Congress.

Election Commission's Role

The dispute now centers on which faction represents the legitimate organisational and legislative majority of the party. Under election laws, the Election Commission has the authority to examine claims related to party leadership, organisational control, and ownership of election symbols.

Political analysts note that such cases typically involve scrutiny of party constitutions, support among elected representatives, and backing within organisational units. If the Election Commission is unable to reach a definitive conclusion, the matter could eventually move to the judiciary.

The confrontation comes at a sensitive time for West Bengal politics. The Trinamool Congress has dominated the state's political landscape for over a decade, making the outcome of the leadership dispute significant for both the party and its opponents.

With both camps preparing legal and organisational arguments to support their claims, the battle over the Trinamool Congress name, symbol, and leadership is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The Election Commission's decision could shape the future direction of the party and influence political alignments ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

The dispute over recognition of rebel TMC MPs is headed for a crucial review, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expected to hear both factions before taking a decision ahead of the Monsoon Session.

A significant political and parliamentary development is unfolding in the Lok Sabha as a group of rebel Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sought separate recognition from the parent party. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to take a decision on the matter after hearing submissions from both the rebel faction and the leadership camp led by Mamata Banerjee.

According to parliamentary sources, the Speaker's office has initiated consultations with both sides and may also seek legal opinion before arriving at a final conclusion. The matter is likely to have implications for parliamentary procedure as well as anti-defection law interpretations.

Speaker Seeks Both Views

Sources indicated that invitations have been sent to representatives of the rival groups within the TMC to present their positions before the Speaker.

The move follows a memorandum submitted by 17 rebel MPs, who met the Speaker and sought recognition as a separate bloc in the Lok Sabha. The MPs also reportedly informed the Speaker about seating arrangements sought for their group and plans related to their political future.

Officials familiar with the process said the Speaker is keen to ensure that any decision taken can withstand legal scrutiny if challenged before judicial forums.

Legal Opinion Under Consideration

Parliamentary sources said the Speaker's office may consult the Ministry of Law and Justice before issuing its ruling.

The objective, according to sources, is to assess the constitutional and legal implications of the demand, particularly in relation to the anti-defection provisions contained in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The issue has attracted attention because the rebel MPs have reportedly proposed an association with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), raising questions about the legal validity of such a move.

Experts Cite Constitutional Limits

Constitutional experts have expressed reservations regarding the rebels' proposal.

Former Lok Sabha Secretary General and constitutional expert PDT Achary has reportedly stated that under existing anti-defection provisions, political parties—not individual MPs—have the authority to merge with another party.

According to this interpretation, legislators cannot independently decide to merge with another political formation without a corresponding decision by the parent party.

A former Election Commission official also described the proposed arrangement as unusual, noting that such a mechanism is not explicitly provided for under either the anti-defection law or the Representation of the People Act.

TMC Raises Procedural Objection

The Trinamool Congress has objected to the manner in which the consultation process was initiated.

Party sources claimed that an email was sent to Abhishek Banerjee on June 15 inviting him to appear before the Speaker within a short timeframe.

According to the party, Abhishek Banerjee was attending proceedings related to an Enforcement Directorate inquiry at the time and did not have immediate access to his communication devices.

TMC leaders have argued that adequate opportunity should be provided before any decision affecting parliamentary recognition is taken.

Rebels Signal NDA Support

The political significance of the dispute increased after rebel leaders publicly indicated their willingness to work with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Following their meeting with the Speaker, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar reportedly stated that more than two-thirds of the party's Lok Sabha MPs had supported the demand for separate recognition and that the group intended to cooperate with the NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The claim has been strongly contested by the TMC leadership.

NCPI Comes Into Focus

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India, which has figured prominently in the controversy, is registered in West Bengal with an address in Howrah district.

The party made its electoral debut in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections but secured a limited vote share. Political observers note that despite its modest electoral footprint, the party has now unexpectedly emerged at the centre of a potentially significant parliamentary dispute.

With the Monsoon Session approaching, attention is now focused on the Speaker's decision, which could set an important precedent regarding parliamentary group recognition, party affiliation and the interpretation of anti-defection provisions.

TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay held talks with Amit Shah in Delhi, intensifying speculation over a rebel parliamentary bloc.

 Veteran Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday, a development that has added fresh momentum to speculation surrounding a growing rebel camp within the TMC's Lok Sabha contingent.

Sought appointment for days

According to sources, Bandyopadhyay had been trying to secure time with Shah for several days before the meeting finally materialised. The Kolkata North MP also met Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju during his Delhi visit, sources said.

Meeting with Yadav a day earlier

The Shah meeting came a day after Bandyopadhyay reportedly held discussions with senior BJP leader and Union minister Bhupender Yadav. He was accompanied during that visit by fellow TMC MP Satabdi Roy, who is also believed to be part of the dissident group. The two leaders spent close to an hour at Yadav's residence, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Rebel MPs eye Sunday huddle

Sources indicated that the group of dissident Trinamool MPs is likely to hold an important meeting on Sunday, where Bandyopadhyay could be projected as one of the lead voices. Plans are also reportedly underway for the rebel lawmakers to call on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, with a possible request for recognition as a separate parliamentary group.

From Lok Sabha leader to rebel face

Bandyopadhyay's political trajectory within the party has been closely watched in recent months. He had earlier served as the Trinamool Congress's leader in the Lok Sabha, a position he gave up after health setbacks, with TMC chief Mamata Banerjee subsequently handing the charge to Abhishek Banerjee. His latest meetings in Delhi have now raised questions about whether he could take on a leadership role within the breakaway group, should one formally take shape.

Curiosity over direct Shah meeting

While several rebel TMC MPs have met Bhupender Yadav in recent weeks, a direct meeting with the Union Home Minister marks a new development. Political observers say Bandyopadhyay's outreach to Shah signals a deepening of his ties with sections opposed to the current Trinamool leadership, and could shape the contours of any future bloc in Parliament.

Party colleagues hit out

The development has not gone unnoticed within the TMC. Senior leaders Kunal Ghosh and Kalyan Banerjee have publicly criticised Bandyopadhyay over his reported proximity to the dissident MPs, pointing to the widening cracks within the party's parliamentary unit.

With the rebel camp's numbers reportedly swelling and key meetings lined up over the coming days, all eyes will be on whether Bandyopadhyay's Delhi visit translates into a more formal role within the group — and how the Trinamool leadership responds to the growing internal dissent.

Twenty rebel TMC MPs, including Sayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy, will seek recognition as a separate group when they meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla tomorrow.

Twenty Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha MPs who broke away from Mamata Banerjee’s party will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi on Monday to press for recognition as a separate parliamentary group, party sources and officials said on Sunday.

Rebel deputation heads to Delhi

Sayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy, two MPs aligned with the rebel camp, left Kolkata for Delhi on Sunday morning. A picture from Kolkata airport showed the two departing together. Jagadish (Jagadish Chandra) Basunia, one of the rebel MPs, told reporters the group would seek formal recognition and arrangements to sit separately in the House.

“The delegation will request the Speaker to accept our letter and make arrangements for a separate bloc,” a source close to the rebels said, adding the drive is aimed at securing institutional space in the Lok Sabha ahead of the new session.

What the rebels will ask

According to initial reports, the rebel MPs will present the signatures and documentation showing the backing of 20 out of the 28 TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha. Under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law), a group backed by at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators can claim to be a separate faction and seek recognition from the Speaker or the Chairman.

TMC’s Lok Sabha strength and the arithmetic

TMC originally had 28 MPs in the Lok Sabha. With 20 MPs now aligned to the rebel camp, they have crossed the two-thirds threshold for the party’s parliamentary strength. That count, if accepted by the Speaker, would allow the group to be recognised as a separate entity — a step that could carry implications for seating, committee assignments and parliamentary procedure.

Party removals and fallout

Both Sayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy were removed from party posts by Mamata Banerjee on June 12. Sayoni had been serving as president of the party’s youth wing; Anrab Banerjee has been named to that post, party sources confirmed. Mala Roy was removed as president of the TMC women’s wing. The removals came amid intensifying factional tension after the party’s poor performance in recent elections.

Legal notices and family disputes

The political rupture has also produced legal moves. Baidyanath, son of MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has reportedly sent legal notices to senior leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Mahua Moitra and Kalyan Banerjee. He asserted that neither he nor his mother sought a ticket from the Barasat Assembly seat, signalling disputes over nominations and local claims.

Rebellion timeline and comparison

The split within the TMC accelerated rapidly after Mamata Banerjee’s electoral defeat. Results declared on May 4 were followed by a letter from rebel MPs to the Lok Sabha Speaker on May 18 seeking recognition as a separate group. A list of 19 names — including high-profile figures such as Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Yusuf Pathan and Shatabdi Roy — surfaced on June 12 with signatures attached.

Observers note parallels with the 2022 Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra, when a large group of MLAs broke away, prompting legal battles and a floor test. The final arbiter in such matters is often the Speaker or, if contested, the courts.

Impact on TMC’s strength

The rebellion has significantly reduced Mamata Banerjee’s parliamentary and legislative clout. In the Assembly, 58 of TMC’s 80 MLAs have reportedly joined the rebel camp, leaving the party with 22 MLAs. In the Lok Sabha, the split has left Mamata with only eight MPs. The Rajya Sabha has seen resignations too, with four of the party’s 13 members quitting in quick succession in June.

What to expect next

The ball now lies with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who will examine the rebel group’s claim and supporting documents. If he accepts their petition, the rebels can get recognition as a separate parliamentary group; if he refuses, the matter could move to the courts. TMC’s central leadership has the option to contest any such decision through legal channels, party insiders said.

For now, Delhi will host a crucial meeting that could redefine TMC’s parliamentary footprint — and reshape the party’s immediate political strategy.