Trinamool's parliamentary party splits as 20 MPs announce support for BJP

Trinamool's parliamentary party splits as 20 MPs announce support for BJP

In a major political development in New Delhi, the Trinamool Congress parliamentary party has split, with 20 party MPs announcing their support for the BJP at a meeting called by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

At the same time that these 20 MPs were declaring their support for the BJP government in Delhi, the two top leaders of Trinamool Congress — Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee — were attending an 'INDIA' bloc meeting in the same city against the BJP.

The long-time MPs were meeting BJP central minister Bhupendra Yadav, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also present. Rebel bloc leader and MP Kakali Ghosh Dastidar confirmed to the media that Suvendu Adhikari was the convenor of the meeting.

Another MP present at the meeting, Sharmila Sarkar, told the media that several rebel MPs would support the BJP-led NDA ruling coalition at the centre. The new bloc, led by Kakali Ghosh Dastidar, will support the ruling alliance in parliament.

Sharmila Sarkar declined to comment on whether the parliamentary rebel bloc is related to the separate Trinamool bloc formed in the state under Ritabrata Banerjee's leadership.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy has resigned from both his position and the party, stating that Trinamool Congress has become disconnected from the people.

On the same day and at the same time in Delhi, former chief minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with Congress and other 'INDIA' bloc members. According to Trinamool Congress sources, Abhishek Banerjee, Kalyan Banerjee and Derek O'Brien were present at that meeting.