In a move reminiscent of the Aam Aadmi Party's split in the Rajya Sabha, several Trinamool Congress (TMC) members are reportedly considering resigning from the party's parliamentary group and its primary membership. The first to step down was Sukhendu Shekhar Ray, a senior TMC member in the Upper House, who submitted his resignation as a Member of Parliament and from the TMC's primary membership to the Vice-President, who also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Ray's Resignation Letter
Ray stated that his resignation was in deference to the massive mandate given by the people of West Bengal to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and against the TMC. He described the mandate as a rejection of 15 years of what he called 'anarchic rule, unbridled corruption, and atrocities against women.' Quoting the Latin phrase 'Vox Populi, vox dei' (the voice of the people is the voice of God), Ray formally submitted his resignation.
Potential Exodus of TMC MPs
Sources indicate that several TMC MPs in both Houses of Parliament are contemplating resigning from the party. However, it remains unclear whether they will follow the path of the AAP MPs, who recently split from the TMC in Parliament and joined the BJP. Earlier, 58 MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly had also broken away from the TMC, declaring themselves the real Trinamool Congress.
Anti-Defection Law Implications
Under the anti-defection law, a split in a legislature party is recognized only if at least two-thirds of the MPs break away to form a separate group. This legal provision could play a crucial role in the unfolding political drama.
Background and Reactions
The rapid developments come as senior TMC leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Derek O'Brien, are attending the INDIA bloc meeting at the Constitution Club in Delhi. The political landscape in West Bengal has been volatile since the BJP's strong performance in the recent elections, and the resignations could further weaken the TMC's position in Parliament.
