Congress on Tuesday accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of masterminding the illegal breakaway of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, alleging that the move was aimed at destabilizing the opposition and undermining democratic norms. The party claimed that the defection of several TMC lawmakers to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was orchestrated by Shah to weaken the opposition ahead of crucial state elections.
Congress Alleges Conspiracy
Speaking to reporters, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "Amit Shah has been directly involved in engineering defections from opposition parties. The recent breakaway of TMC MPs is a clear example of how the BJP is using its power to subvert democracy. This is a violation of the anti-defection law and a threat to the federal structure."
The Congress leader further claimed that the defections were carried out through intimidation and offers of lucrative positions. "These MPs were coerced or lured with promises of ministerial berths and other benefits. This is a well-planned conspiracy hatched by Amit Shah to reduce the strength of the opposition in Parliament," Khera added.
TMC's Response
The Trinamool Congress also condemned the defections, with party leader Derek O'Brien stating, "This is an assault on democracy. The BJP is using its might to poach elected representatives. We demand a thorough investigation into these illegal activities."
Meanwhile, the BJP denied the allegations, calling them baseless. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "The Congress and TMC are making false accusations to cover up their internal failures. MPs joined the BJP voluntarily because they believe in our vision for the country."
The controversy erupted after 12 TMC MPs recently switched allegiance to the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with the TMC's leadership and policies. However, the Congress and TMC argue that the defections were engineered to weaken the opposition unity ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Legal Implications
Political analysts point out that the defections could invite action under the anti-defection law if proven to be illegal. The Congress has announced plans to approach the Election Commission and the Supreme Court seeking intervention. "We will not let this attack on democracy go unchallenged," Khera added.
The development has further strained relations between the ruling BJP and the opposition, with both sides trading accusations. The opposition has called for a joint strategy to counter what they describe as the BJP's "predatory politics."
