After assembly revolt, TMC faces rebellion in Parliament

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is teetering on the brink of a full-blown parliamentary split, barely a week after internal dissent cost it control of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Sources in Delhi confirm at least five Lok Sabha MPs and three Rajya Sabha members are actively exploring options, potentially forming a new bloc or defecting, dealing a severe blow to the party's national standing and opposition unity. This escalating crisis stems from deep-seated dissatisfaction over alleged centralisation of power around Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, and contentious ticket distribution ahead of crucial local body elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party, led by opposition figure Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal, has been quick to amplify the TMC's woes, potentially eyeing gains from the defections to bolster its own parliamentary strength and destabilise the state government. The immediate focus shifts to the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where any formal split could trigger a wave of Disqualification Petition under the Anti-defection Law, testing the Speaker resolve. Observers are watching for Mamata Banerjee response to stem the bleeding, with the party's ability to maintain its parliamentary numbers now critical for its role in national opposition politics ahead of the 2029 general elections.