Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs in the Lok Sabha have announced their decision to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party and extend support to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Announcement of Merger
TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar stated that the group of 20 MPs, which constitutes more than two-thirds of the party's strength in the House, has met the Speaker and submitted a letter seeking to sit separately. She added that they have decided to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party and work in collaboration with the NDA under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
Legal Pursuit of Party Name
Another rebel MP, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, said the faction would pursue the matter of the party's name in court to determine the legitimate claim over the TMC identity.
Background
The move comes amid internal dissent within the Trinamool Congress, with the rebel MPs citing differences with the party leadership. The merger is expected to strengthen the NDA's position in the Lok Sabha.
