The Congress party on Thursday categorically denied reports suggesting a possible merger with the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), labeling such claims as "totally baseless." The clarification comes amid a wave of resignations from the TMC, with several MPs and MLAs rebelling against the party leadership.
Congress Accuses BJP of 'Seat Chori'
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in "seat chori" (seat theft) by inducing MPs from other parties to resign and join the ruling party. "Making MPs of other parties resign and join BJP is like 'seat-chori'," Venugopal said, as quoted by PTI.
TMC-Congress Talks on INDIA Alliance
Venugopal also disclosed that discussions between the TMC and Congress leadership are ongoing to strengthen the opposition INDIA alliance. However, he firmly ruled out any merger between the two parties.
TMC Grapples With Internal Discord
The TMC is currently facing significant internal strife, marked by factional infighting and a series of high-profile resignations. On Thursday, TMC MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Rajya Sabha, becoming the third party MP to do so within a week. His resignation follows those of Sushmita Dev on June 10 and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray on June 8.
Speculation of Crossovers to NDA
Amid speculation that some TMC MPs may be preparing to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Baraik was seen visiting the residence of BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The developments have fueled rumors of further defections from the TMC.
The Congress party's strong denial of merger talks aims to put an end to the buzz and reaffirm its independent stance within the opposition bloc.
