The political crisis inside the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Monday after a group of rebel MPs claimed support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a move that could significantly alter the parliamentary strength of the ruling coalition. Senior TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said nearly 20 Lok Sabha MPs have expressed their willingness to support the NDA and have already communicated their position to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The rebel faction is also seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc.

The development marks one of the biggest internal challenges faced by the TMC in recent years and comes amid growing dissatisfaction within sections of the party leadership. Reports indicate that several dissident MPs held meetings in Delhi to discuss their future political strategy and possible alignment with the NDA.

The TMC currently has 28 MPs in the Lok Sabha. If the rebel group succeeds in formally separating with the support of two-thirds of the party’s MPs, it could avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law. Political observers say such a split would provide a major numerical advantage to the NDA in Parliament.

Sources familiar with the matter said the rebel MPs are arguing that supporting the NDA would help accelerate development-related projects in West Bengal and provide greater political stability. The TMC leadership has strongly opposed the rebellion and accused the BJP of attempting to weaken the party from within. The crisis has also triggered sharp reactions within the opposition camp. Several loyalist TMC leaders termed the rebels “betrayers” of Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, while opposition parties are closely monitoring the developments due to their potential impact on the INDIA bloc's unity.

The rebellion is being viewed as politically significant because it could reshape power equations ahead of upcoming parliamentary debates and future elections. If the rebel MPs officially align with the NDA, the ruling coalition’s tally in the Lok Sabha is expected to rise further beyond the majority mark.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.