Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha has created significant political ripples within Bengal's ruling party after publicly praising BJP ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar following the NDA's decisive victory in Bihar elections.
The Controversial Social Media Post
On November 17, 2025, the veteran actor-turned-politician took to social media platform X to extend his congratulations for what he described as Bihar getting "the government they deserve" under the leadership of "the most admired, gentleman politician, Nitish Kumar."
In his elaborate post, Sinha commended Kumar as "Bihar's longest-serving, trusted, tried, tested and successful CM" who had lived up to people's expectations. The message concluded with patriotic slogans of "Jai Bihar! Jai Hind!"
What made the situation particularly sensitive was Sinha's decision to tag several prominent INDIA alliance leaders in his post, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Internal Party Reaction and Disapproval
The praise for an NDA-associated leader did not sit well with Sinha's own party colleagues. Senior TMC MP Saugata Roy expressed his disagreement with the remarks, telling media, "I have no comments in this regard, but I do not agree to such things is all I will say."
TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty attempted to downplay the incident while acknowledging its problematic nature. "This is his personal comment and not a reflection of the party as a whole," Chakraborty stated, while adding that Sinha "should realise that he is also an MP from TMC, so every elected representative should keep in mind that their statement should not hurt the sentiments of the cadres."
According to party sources, the TMC top leadership took serious note of Sinha's remarks on Sunday and has sought an explanation from him. The matter has also been brought to the attention of TMP MP Abhishek Banerjee.
Political Fallout and Opposition Reactions
The timing of Sinha's comments is particularly sensitive as West Bengal prepares for the crucial 2026 Assembly polls. Opposition parties were quick to capitalize on the internal discord within the ruling TMC.
BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar pointedly remarked, "TMC should see who they have given tickets to." He added that Sinha, being from Bihar, understands that "if BJP stays in Bihar it is good for that state; similarly, if BJP comes to Bengal, it will be good for the people of this state."
Leader of the Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, sarcastically commented that "the owners of Trinamool Congress" should explain why their MP was praising a BJP-associated chief minister.
Sinha's Controversial History with TMC
This is not the first instance where Shatrughan Sinha's public statements have created embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress. The MP has previously expressed reservations about non-vegetarian food, despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's clear instructions about respecting personal food choices and cultural practices.
In February, Sinha had made comments criticizing the consumption of non-vegetarian dishes and praised the Uttarakhand government's Uniform Civil Code while calling for a nationwide ban on cow slaughter and non-vegetarian food. The party leadership had cautioned him at that time, with Sinha later claiming his comments were misinterpreted.
Sinha's political journey has been marked by multiple party affiliations. Before winning the Lok Sabha seat on a TMC ticket in 2022, he had served as a Rajya Sabha MP with the BJP between 1996 and 2008, during which he was a Union Minister under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He later joined Congress before eventually moving to the TMC.
The recent controversy comes shortly after Sinha was honored with the "Bangabibhusan" award by the Bengal government at the 6th Kolkata International Film Festival on November 6, adding another layer of complexity to the current political situation.
