Trinamool Congress is facing a fresh challenge in the Lok Sabha after a group of its MPs reportedly sought recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc. According to reports, a letter signed by 19 TMC MPs has surfaced, seeking recognition from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as an independent group. The authenticity of the letter and whether the same document was formally submitted to the Speaker's office remain unverified.
The development comes amid growing signs of unrest within the party following internal differences and recent political setbacks in West Bengal. Reports suggest the letter was submitted under the leadership of Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.
Rebel camp claims support of 19 MPs
According to reports, the letter carries the signatures of 19 MPs, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Shatabdi Roy, Bapi Haldar, Rachana Banerjee, Sayani Ghosh, Yusuf Pathan, June Malia and Dipak Adhikari (Dev), among others.
The inclusion of actor-turned-politician Dev is being viewed as one of the most unexpected developments. Earlier, he had publicly denied backing any rebellion against the party leadership.
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Speaking earlier, Dev had said, “My love for Mamata Banerjee will stay consistent for a lifetime. I will stay with Mamata Banerjee as long I am alive. I was elected as a Trinamool Congress MP, and my duty is to fulfil the aspirations of the people. I am not going to be a part of the 'new' bloc".
According to Sources here is the list of 19 out of 20 TMC breakaway MPs that sent their names to the Lok Sabha Speaker’s Office on May 18th.
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2026
1. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar
2. Satabdi Roy
3. Bapi Haldar
4. Dr. Sharmila Sarkar
5. Prasun Bandyopadhyay
6. Jagadish Barma Basunia
7. Asit… pic.twitter.com/MM2rPhYuaf
Numbers could prove crucial
The reported strength of 19 MPs is significant because it crosses the two-thirds threshold required under anti-defection provisions for recognition as a separate group.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TMC won 29 seats from West Bengal. Following the death of Basirhat MP Haji Nurul Islam, the party's effective strength came down to 28. With 19 MPs reportedly backing the move, the rebel camp appears to have reached the required two-thirds mark.
Explaining the group's position, Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar had said, "We have accepted the people's mandate and believe that we should move with the NDA in the future. That's why we have informed the speaker that we want to be a part of the NDA".
The development could have major implications for TMC's parliamentary strength and the future political alignment of the rebel MPs in the Lok Sabha.
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FAQs:
1. How many TMC MPs have reportedly signed the letter seeking a separate bloc?
Reports suggest 19 TMC MPs have signed the letter.
2. Why is the number 19 significant in this case?
It crosses the two-thirds threshold required for recognition as a separate parliamentary group.
