TMC faces revolt: Over 12 MPs reportedly in talks with BJP, plan to skirt anti-defection law

Kolkata (The Uttam Hindu): After suffering a crushing defeat in the Bengal Assembly elections, a major political crisis appears to be brewing within Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC). From Delhi to Kolkata, political circles are abuzz with talk that several Trinamool Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha are in direct contact with the top leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and that a large faction of MPs within the party could revolt at any time.

12 Lok Sabha MPs are ready, final talks are going on with 6 others

Inside and highly reliable sources are reporting that approximately 12 of the 29 Trinamool Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha have decided to join the BJP or offer outside support. Furthermore, BJP strategists are in final talks with five to six other Trinamool Congress MPs. If this claim proves true, it would be the biggest political blow Mamata Banerjee has ever suffered.

A figure of 20 is required to avoid the anti-defection law

To carry out this potential major split, a very specific strategy is being worked out behind the scenes. To avoid being hampered by the country's strict anti-defection law, the rebels must surpass two-thirds of the total number of Trinamool MPs in the Lok Sabha. Therefore, preparations are underway to bring together at least 19 to 20 MPs on a single platform, so that their parliamentary membership is technically unaffected. Sources claim that TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee have also sensed this major upheaval, following which they have intensified damage control and efforts to keep the party united.

BJP wants to reduce its dependence on allies, also eyeing Rajya Sabha

Considering the current political situation at the Centre, the BJP has 240 MPs on its own in the Lok Sabha, and the government is dependent on the support of its allies (NDA). If 12 to 15 Trinamool Congress MPs defect to the BJP, the saffron party's strength will significantly increase and its dependence on allies will be significantly reduced. It is being reported that, in addition to the Lok Sabha, the BJP is also eyeing Trinamool Congress MPs in the Rajya Sabha. Within the party, there is deep dissatisfaction among MPs regarding the interference of the election strategist agency I-PAC and the leadership's working style, which is believed to be the main reason for this rebellion. However, no official statement has yet been issued by any party on this entire political development.