Amid growing speculation over a possible split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the emergence of a separate faction in Parliament, TMC National General Secretary and Lok Sabha parliamentary party leader Abhishek Banerjee has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to entertain any request seeking recognition for a breakaway group. Letter sent amid growing speculation In his letter, Abhishek referred to media reports suggesting that a section of TMC MPs may seek recognition as a separate bloc in the Lok Sabha. He argued that the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) remains an indivisible political party and that no group of MPs can unilaterally claim separate status or recognition. Supreme Court verdict cited extensively Citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment in the Subhash Desai vs Governor of Maharashtra case, Abhishek maintained that the legal concept of a “split” within a political party no longer enjoys constitutional protection under the anti-defection law. He further stated that any such move could attract disqualification proceedings. Delhi meetings fuel defection rumours The letter comes against the backdrop of a series of high-profile meetings involving rebel TMC MPs in New Delhi. Several MPs, including Dev, Partha Bhowmick, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Mala Roy, Satabdi Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Sayoni Ghosh, June Malia and Yusuf Pathan, were reportedly seen at Banga Bhawan and in meetings with senior BJP leaders. The group of rebel TMC MPs recently met Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. Additionally, some of the MPs were seen with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, further fuelling speculation about their future political course. Party reserves legal action rights In his letter, Abhishek requested the Speaker to formally record his objections, continue to recognise the Trinamool Congress as a single political party, and ensure that the party is given an opportunity to present its position before any decision is taken on a request for recognition of a separate faction. He also asserted that the party reserves the right to initiate constitutional and legal action in the event of any violation of the anti-defection law. Post navigation 8 killed after pickup falls into well in Maharashtra’s Solapur:Pilgrims die after vehicle crashes without protective barrier near roadway
