NEW DELHI: TMC leader Babul Supriyo on Thursday declared that he will continue to support Mamata Banerjee amidst the ongoing exodus within the party. In a video shared on social media platform X, Supriyo dismissed speculations about him joining the rebel faction, stating that it is "inappropriate to abandon a ship when it is in troubled waters."
"Amidst all this confusion and rumors, I just wish to make it amply clear that I'm neither joining any faction nor any other party. I think it's inappropriate to abandon a ship when it is in troubled waters," he said in the video.
Earlier in the day, TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha also affirmed his loyalty to Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing that he could not leave her during a difficult phase after she supported him during his political setbacks. "When I was going through a difficult phase after losing the Patna election in 2019, very few people stood by me. Mamata Banerjee was among the few who supported and encouraged me," Sinha said.
"She believed I should continue in public life without any gap in my parliamentary journey, and it was on her direction that I contested from Asansol. By God's grace, and with the support of Mamata ji and the people of Asansol, I achieved victory. For the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation about me. Some people are speaking the truth, while others are spreading rumours," he added.
Sinha further expressed gratitude to those who invited him to join the rebel camp but reiterated that his principled stand is to stand with Mamata. "Some have claimed that I have joined the so-called rebel group. Yes, by nature I have always been outspoken. I often say that if speaking the truth is considered rebellion, then I am also a rebel. I have always spoken frankly and called a spade a spade. But I want to state clearly that Mamata ji stood by me during my difficult times, and today, in her difficult phase, I cannot abandon her," he said.
"I was elected on the Trinamool Congress symbol - the 'Jora Phool' - not once but twice, with the blessings of God. Therefore, it is my duty and responsibility to stand with Mamata ji and the Trinamool Congress...my principle is very clear: when Mamata ji stood by me in my difficult times, it is now my duty to stand by her in this moment as well," Sinha added.
The TMC is facing a severe crisis following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly polls and a rebellion that has significantly weakened its organizational and legislative strength. Last week, more than two-thirds of the party's MLAs -- 58 out of 80 -- broke away from the official TMC legislature party and secured recognition as the principal opposition bloc in the West Bengal Assembly under expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. The rebel camp has since claimed that its strength has further increased.
The crisis later spread to Parliament, with rebel MPs led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claiming the support of more than 20 Lok Sabha members. The developments have put immense pressure on the TMC leadership as they navigate this turbulent period.
