Kolkata: Rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, including Sudip Bandopadhyay, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, and Rachna Banerjee, expressed divergent views on Tuesday regarding their political strategy. While Sudip asserted they would not abandon plans to claim the 'real Trinamool' identity, potentially through court intervention, Kakoli emphasized the immediate priority was merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). Rachna reiterated that 'Didi' Mamata Banerjee remains the symbol of the party.
Sudip's Stance on Court and Assembly Rebels
Sudip stated that the rebel MPs would build bridges with dissident MLAs in the West Bengal assembly to strengthen their claim. He noted that the Parliament session begins in July, and the Speaker would decide on party recognition. If the matter goes to court, the judiciary would determine which faction is the authentic Trinamool Congress, drawing parallels to the Maharashtra political crisis.
Kakoli's Focus on Merger
Kakoli clarified that the rebel MPs have no connection with the state legislators, calling them a separate group with distinct issues. She stressed that the merger with NCPI is the primary agenda. 'We have received acceptance from them, and they are happy to welcome us. We will work with the NDA under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah,' she said, adding that they are examining the merger process and discussing implementation of central schemes in Bengal.
Rachna's Loyalty to Didi
Actor-MP Rachna Banerjee, who physically signed the merger plea with NCPI at the Lok Sabha secretariat after returning from Malaysia, affirmed unwavering loyalty to Mamata Banerjee. 'We got votes because of Didi; Didi herself is the identity and symbol of Trinamool Congress,' she stated. She met Lok Sabha Secretary-General and earlier joined BJP MP Nishikant Dubey at Union Minister Bhupender Yadav's residence. Rachna expressed hope that aligning with the central government would ease developmental work, which she felt had been lacking over the past 15 years.
Assembly LoP's Perspective
Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Ritabrata Banerjee, highlighted a distinction between rebel MPs and MLAs. 'We are the Trinamool Congress Legislative Party. Questions about the party symbol and related issues are irrelevant now. We will see what happens tomorrow,' he remarked.
Sudip's Call for Unity
Returning to Kolkata from Delhi, Sudip dismissed discussions about individual statements, emphasizing that 20 MPs are merging with one party. He revealed plans to forge unity with Ritabrata-led MLAs before the Lok Sabha session on July 20. 'Discussions are underway on how both sides will sit together and determine the future course. Trinamool has its own symbols and assets; many matters will ultimately be settled in court,' he added.
