19 TMC MPs Rebel, Seek Split; Saayoni Ghosh and Yusuf Pathan Among Signatories
India Today Accesses Letter Naming 19 Rebel TMC MPs as Party Faces Deepening Crisis
The political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified dramatically, with India Today accessing a letter submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker by 19 rebel MPs seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary faction.
The document, dated May 18, marks a significant escalation in the crisis confronting the party led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The MPs backing the move have reportedly staked claim to the TMC’s political legacy and indicated that they represent the “real” Trinamool Congress.
The signatories include:
- Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar
- Satabdi Roy
- Bapi Haldar
- Dr Sharmila Sarkar
- Prasun Bandyopadhyay
- Jagadish Barma Basunia
- Asit Kumar Mal
- Arup Chakraborty
- Rachna Banerjee
- Saayoni Ghosh
- Khalilur Rahaman
- Abu Taher Khan
Yusuf Pathan - Mitali Bag
- Mala Roy
- Kalipada Soren
- Deepak Adhikari
- June Malia
- Partha Bhowmick
According to sources, the dissident lawmakers have informed the Speaker of their intention to function as an independent parliamentary group, setting the stage for a potentially far-reaching battle over the future of the party.
19 MPs Back Breakaway Bid
The letter bears the signatures of 19 Lok Sabha MPs, leaving only a small section of the party’s parliamentary contingent outside the rebel camp. The positions of some MPs, however, remain unclear.
Among the prominent names associated with the rebellion are Saayoni Ghosh, Yusuf Pathan and several other lawmakers who have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s current leadership structure and internal functioning.
Sources familiar with the developments said the rebel faction has no immediate plans to join either the BJP or the NDA and instead intends to function independently while advocating what it describes as the interests of West Bengal.
The group is also believed to be closely monitoring key legislative proposals expected to come before Parliament, including the Women’s Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill.
Internal Dissent Reaches Breaking Point
The parliamentary revolt follows weeks of growing unrest within the TMC. Several leaders had privately voiced concerns over the party’s direction and the increasing influence of national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The discontent intensified after the party’s disappointing performance in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, triggering questions about leadership, organisational strategy and the future course of the party.
The rebellion in Parliament comes on the heels of reported unrest within the party’s legislative ranks in the state Assembly, making it one of the most serious internal challenges faced by the TMC since its formation nearly three decades ago.
Speaker’s Decision Could Be Crucial
The timing of the letter may emerge as a key factor in the unfolding dispute.
Sources noted that the communication submitted by the rebel MPs is dated May 18, one day before senior leader Kalyan Banerjee was appointed the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha on May 19.
The Speaker’s office will now have to examine whether the breakaway group meets the procedural and technical requirements necessary for recognition as a separate parliamentary formation.
Any decision on that front could have major implications for the balance of power within the party.
Symbol Battle May Reach Election Commission
Beyond Parliament, the rebellion is expected to trigger a fierce contest over control of the TMC’s symbol and organisational identity.
The dissident faction is likely to approach the Election Commission claiming that it represents the majority view within the party’s parliamentary structure. Such a claim, if formally pursued, could lead to a lengthy legal and political battle.
Observers believe any ruling by the Election Commission could eventually face judicial scrutiny, with the possibility of the dispute reaching the Supreme Court.
Loyalists Stand With Mamata
Despite the rebellion, several senior leaders have publicly reaffirmed their support for Mamata Banerjee.
Veteran parliamentarian Shatrughan Sinha has denied being part of the breakaway effort and reiterated his loyalty to the TMC leadership. Other prominent leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, Sougata Ray, Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad, Pratima Mondal, Sajda Ahmed and Sudip Bandopadhyay, are not currently associated with the rebel group.
With competing claims now emerging from within the party, the focus is set to shift to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Election Commission, whose decisions could shape the future of one of India’s most influential regional political outfits.
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