Amid simmering tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the President, senior MP Saugata Roy’s decision to attend the Rashtrapati Bhavan breakfast on Monday has sparked fresh speculation within the party.

While no other Trinamool MP was present at the event, the Dumdum MP’s attendance has raised eyebrows.

Strained ties between Trinamool and President Murmu

Earlier this month, during her visit to the state, the President had publicly expressed displeasure over the arrangements at a tribal conference. She questioned the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any senior cabinet minister, a remark that reportedly strained ties further.

Since then, relations between the two sides have remained tense. The President questioned why Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any cabinet-level minister nominated by her was not present there.

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Against this backdrop, Trinamool had decided to decline the President’s invitation to the breakfast meeting held on March 16.

Rajya Sabha Chief Whip Nadimul Haque, in a letter to the President, cited fasting during the holy month of Ramzan as the reason for his inability to attend. He suggested that such an event could have been scheduled after Eid.

Saugata roy breaks ranks, calls it personal choice

Despite the party’s stance, Saugata Roy accepted the President's breakfast invitation on Monday and went to Rashtrapati Bhavan. After finishing breakfast and a courtesy meeting with the President, the Dumdum Trinamool MP also went to Parliament on Monday.

Explaining his decision, the veteran MP said that he was invited, so he went. The party neither asked him to go nor prohibited him.

Mixed reactions within the party

Regarding this explanation by the veteran Trinamool MP, Trinamool's Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Shatabdi Roy remarked, “Saugata-da often takes such steps that don’t align with the party’s position. ‘Didi’ will understand this matter well. He is an elderly person, he loves to eat, so maybe he went.”

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However, party sources downplayed the controversy, stating that no official whip or directive had been issued regarding attendance. According to them, participation in the event was a personal decision, leaving little room for disciplinary concerns.

Opposition reacts, raises questions

The BJP, however, was quick to react. MP Manoj Tigga claimed that Saugata Roy has, on multiple occasions, acted independently of the party’s official stand.

Amid the ongoing developments, Trinamool has written to the President seeking an appointment. Party sources revealed that at least two such letters were sent last week, but no response has been received so far. Another request was reportedly sent on Monday as well.