Rebel MPs, NDA Support, ED Summons: 10 Flashpoints Driving TMC's Turmoil

Last Updated:June 15, 2026, 12:01 IST

TMC's crisis deepened as 20 rebel MPs backed the NDA via NCPI, sought separate Lok Sabha status, and Abhishek Banerjee appeared before the ED.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has witnessed one of the most dramatic political upheavals in its history over the past 24 hours, with a group of 20 Lok Sabha MPs rebelling against the Mamata Banerjee-led leadership, merging with a little-known political outfit and pledging support to the BJP-led NDA.

The developments have triggered a fierce political battle between Mamata Banerjee’s party in West Bengal and its rivals, while also raising questions about the future of the party’s parliamentary strength.

The crisis deepened further on Monday when TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kolkata in connection with the alleged school jobs scam case. His appearance came just a day after he was questioned by the West Bengal CID in a separate matter related to the alleged forgery of signatures of TMC MLAs.

From political defections and parliamentary manoeuvring to corruption probes and public sparring among senior leaders, the developments have unfolded rapidly since Sunday, creating a turbulent backdrop for West Bengal politics.

THE WEST BENGAL AND TMC CRISIS: TOP DEVELOPMENTS SINCE A DAY

1. Twenty TMC MPs announce rebellion: A group of 20 Lok Sabha MPs broke ranks with the Trinamool Congress, claiming the support of more than two-thirds of the party’s parliamentary strength and initiating a major revolt against the party leadership.

2. Rebels merge with NCPI: Instead of joining the BJP directly, the dissident MPs announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a registered but unrecognised political party that had previously contested the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections.

3. NDA support declared: Rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said the breakaway group would support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Parliament after merging with the NCPI.

4. MPs seek separate seating in Lok Sabha: The dissident lawmakers met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and sought separate seating arrangements, arguing that more than two-thirds of TMC MPs were part of the new grouping.

5. Obscure NCPI thrust into national spotlight: The NCPI, whose candidates performed poorly in the 2023 Tripura elections and whose registered address is in Howrah, West Bengal, suddenly emerged at the centre of national political attention following the merger.

6. Legal strategy behind the merger highlighted: Political observers and leaders suggested the merger route was chosen because it offered a legally safer pathway than forming a separate parliamentary bloc while avoiding immediate anti-defection complications.

7. TMC dismisses rebellion as insignificant: Senior TMC leaders, including Sougata Roy, dismissed the move, insisting that Mamata Banerjee retained control over the party organisation, workers, symbol and finances despite the parliamentary revolt.

8. BJP says TMC should introspect: The BJP described the rebellion as evidence of growing dissatisfaction within the TMC and argued that the ruling party should examine the reasons behind the mass defection rather than blame others.

9. Mahua Moitra attacks Sudip Bandyopadhyay: TMC MP Mahua Moitra publicly criticised senior party leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, accusing him of betrayal amid reports of widening divisions within the party.

10. Abhishek Banerjee appears before ED: On Monday, Abhishek Banerjee reached the ED’s Kolkata office after being summoned in a money-laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in primary teacher recruitment. Investigators said they intended to confront him with financial documents, digital records and statements gathered during the probe.

The unfolding developments represent the most serious challenge faced by the TMC’s parliamentary wing in recent years.

While the rebel camp appears focused on establishing an independent political identity outside Mamata Banerjee’s control, the party leadership has sought to project confidence, arguing that organisational authority remains firmly with the leadership in Kolkata.

The coming days are expected to be crucial as Speaker Om Birla examines the representations made by the dissident MPs and as investigative agencies continue their questioning of Abhishek Banerjee.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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