Rebel TMC MPs Seek New Path Amid Internal Discord

Amid turmoil in All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), rebel MP Arup Chakraborty reveals support from 20 MPs aiming to reshape TMC with a 'joint-engine government.' Allegations of BJP power grab dismissed, while internal tensions heighten following lackluster 2026 West Bengal Assembly results, fueling party's potential splintering.

In the midst of a turbulent period for the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), rebel Member of Parliament Arup Chakraborty, on Friday, announced that a faction comprising approximately 20 MPs is rallying behind a vision to reconstitute the party under a 'joint-engine government'. This proposed collaboration involves both the state and central governments operating in unison.

Chakraborty, vocalizing the agenda of the dissident MPs, highlighted their collective backing from the BJP, dismissing claims from senior TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee that the dissidents are driven by a thirst for power. Chakraborty reiterated their intent to preserve and reshape the TMC, capitalizing on public support and votes they have received.

Amid allegations against Abhishek Banerjee of overstepping his influence in party affairs, Chakraborty urged for transparency and dialogue within the party. He emphasized political cooperation over conflict, as 19 MPs including key figures like Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Satabdi Roy, formally sought separate seating in the Lok Sabha, signaling potential fragmentation of TMC's parliamentary unit.