Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee arrived in New Delhi on Saturday ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting as the party confronts a deepening internal crisis following a major rebellion in West Bengal. The visit comes days after more than two-thirds of TMC MLAs broke away from the party's official legislature wing in the state Assembly, dealing one of the biggest setbacks to the party since its formation. Reports now suggest efforts are underway to mobilise support among MPs, raising fears of a similar split in Parliament.
Leadership Under Pressure
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee reached Delhi a day earlier, while senior party leaders are expected to hold intensive discussions to assess the situation and prevent further defections. Rebel leaders have claimed that developments similar to those seen in the West Bengal Assembly are unfolding within the party's parliamentary ranks. With the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled in the national capital, the TMC leadership is under pressure to maintain unity and contain the fallout from the post-election turmoil.
Potential Impact on INDIA Bloc
The crisis comes at a critical time for the opposition alliance, as the INDIA bloc seeks to project a united front against the ruling NDA. Any significant defection of TMC MPs could weaken the bloc's strength in Parliament and embolden rival parties. Mamata Banerjee's visit is seen as an attempt to reassure allies and consolidate her party's position ahead of the meeting.
Meanwhile, rebel MLAs in West Bengal have formed a separate faction, claiming that the party's central leadership has failed to address grassroots concerns. Political analysts suggest that the internal strife may be linked to factional rivalries within the TMC, with some leaders seeking to align with other parties ahead of future elections.
