The political crisis engulfing the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal could soon spill over to Parliament, with sources indicating that a significant number of the party's MPs are exploring options outside the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit. According to sources, at least 20 Trinamool MPs are in contact with the BJP and have conveyed their willingness to switch sides. The discussions are said to be taking place at senior levels, raising the possibility of a major realignment within the party's parliamentary ranks. The Trinamool Congress currently has 41 MPs in Parliament, including 28 in the Lok Sabha and 13 in the Rajya Sabha.
Any defection on this scale would represent a major setback for Mamata Banerjee, whose party has already been reeling from internal turmoil following its defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. The Trinamool is the second-largest opposition bloc in Parliament, and a split in its parliamentary wing could significantly weaken both the party's influence and the broader Opposition's strength in the two Houses. The developments come amid an escalating rebellion within the party's state unit, where a group of around 60 MLAs led by Ritabrata Banerjee has staked claim to being the "real" Trinamool Congress and secured recognition from the Assembly Speaker.
The dissident faction has openly challenged Mamata Banerjee's leadership and rejected her choice for Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. The unrest has been fuelled by criticism over alleged corruption, the party's handling of the RG Kar rape-murder case, and broader dissatisfaction among leaders after the electoral setback. Several Trinamool leaders recently attended a meeting convened by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, further highlighting the widening cracks within the party. Sources suggest that additional defections from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may occur in the coming days, even as Mamata Banerjee focuses on retaining control over the party's name and election symbol amid an increasingly uncertain political future.