The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday firmly denied any proposal or discussion regarding the merger of the Mamata Banerjee-led party with the Congress. This clarification came after a meeting between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee at 10, Janpath.
Meeting Details and Denials
The meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Abhishek Banerjee occurred a day after TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee met Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Speculation about a potential merger, which both TMC and Congress members have dismissed as "bogus" and "baseless," intensified as sources within the rebel TMC camp claimed support from at least 19 Lok Sabha MPs—two-thirds of the party's strength of 28—and indicated they would assert representation of the party's parliamentary wing in the House. This development adds to Mamata Banerjee's electoral setback in West Bengal.
"The issue of merger of TMC with Congress and all other speculation around this is all rumours and incorrect. No such thing was discussed," TMC sources stated. Congress sources also denied any discussion or move toward a merger.
Congress Clarification
Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh clarified on X that some news reports regarding the meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday were "completely inaccurate." He added, "The meeting was very cordial and many personal matters were talked about, given the long relationship they have had."
On Monday, Mamata Banerjee, in a notable shift from her past hostility, stated at an INDIA bloc meeting that the Congress should take the lead in the opposition's fight against the BJP. Photos shared by Congress showed Mamata and Sonia hugging and sharing a warm interaction.
Discussions on Coordination and Unity
Building on Tuesday's discussions between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday discussed developments in West Bengal and how the TMC and Congress can coordinate and work together to strengthen their presence in the state. They also deliberated on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and strategies to bolster the INDIA bloc and opposition unity to counter the BJP.
TMC shared a post on X with a photo from the meeting, stating, "The meeting reflected a shared commitment to safeguarding democracy, upholding Constitutional values and working for the welfare of every Indian. INDIA stands united."
Supporters Dismiss Merger
Ardent supporters within the Mamata camp dismissed the possibility of a merger with the Congress, emphasizing that the former West Bengal Chief Minister has invested her all in the TMC and is determined to rebuild the party rather than give up.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested that parties like TMC and NCP (SP), which were once part of the Congress, should reunite to strengthen the grand old party. News agency PTI reported Raut stating in Mumbai that such reunification was the "need of the hour."
TMC Setback: Resignation of Rajya Sabha MP
Amid these developments, the TMC suffered another setback on Wednesday as its Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev resigned from the party and the Upper House. She is the second Rajya Sabha MP to quit, following Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, who resigned on Monday levelling allegations against the party.
Dev, a former Congress leader who joined the TMC a few years ago, also met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at his residence in Delhi, triggering speculation that she might join the BJP. While Dev refused to comment on Mamata Banerjee, she told reporters regarding her potential BJP move, "When I take a decision I will let you know." She asserted that her resignation was due to "personal and political reasons." "I don't want to be in a situation where I am in two boats at the same time. That is not the right way to do it...because the family background and upbringing I have, I have never stayed in one party and served another party," she said.
