TMC's Kirti Azad Labels 20 Rebel MPs as 'Traitors' Amid Political Turmoil

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad fiercely criticized 20 rebel MPs for joining the Nationalist Citizens Party of India, terming them 'traitors' and questioning the legal viability of their new alliance. The move, dismissed as driven by personal ambition, seeks to circumvent anti-defection laws amid rising tensions in West Bengal politics.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), MP Kirti Azad publicly condemned 20 rebel MPs on Tuesday, denouncing them as 'traitors' for merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. Azad questioned the legitimacy of the political entity they joined and dismissed the move as lacking legal standing.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Azad highlighted that the TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, remains the authentic version of the party. He accused the rebel faction of misleading the Lok Sabha Speaker by submitting a contentious letter, which Azad argued, was driven by personal ambitions rather than ideological reasons.

The dissent among the rebels, particularly over prospective ministerial positions, was sharply criticized by Azad, who called the merger 'undemocratic.' He pointed out the lack of parliamentary presence of their new party, asserting it holds no political or legal relevance. This political upheaval follows the rebel group’s strategic moves to circumvent anti-defection laws, sparking a significant realignment within West Bengal’s political landscape.