'No merger talks', but Congress and TMC keep alliance option open

Amid mounting political uncertainty in West Bengal, speculation about a possible merger between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress has been firmly dismissed by leaders familiar with discussions between the two parties. According to sources, no proposal for an organisational merger is under consideration, despite recent meetings that fuelled rumours of closer political ties.

While ruling out any merger, sources indicated that channels of communication between the Congress and the TMC remain open. Both parties are understood to be exploring areas of cooperation and maintaining dialogue on broader opposition strategy, particularly within the framework of the INDIA bloc.

Discussions between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee reportedly focused on improving coordination among opposition parties. Sources said the two leaders also backed the idea of convening the next INDIA bloc meeting in Hyderabad as efforts continue to revive opposition unity ahead of future electoral contests.

The speculation comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is grappling with a serious internal rebellion. A significant number of legislators have publicly challenged the party leadership, while signs of unrest have also surfaced among its parliamentary ranks. The situation worsened this week following the resignation of Rajya Sabha member Sushmita Dev from both the party and the Upper House.

Her departure followed the earlier resignation of senior parliamentarian Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, adding to concerns about growing fissures within the ruling party. Rebel leaders have claimed that a sizeable group of MPs has sought separate seating arrangements in Parliament, signalling an attempt to establish a distinct political identity while remaining outside the BJP's formal structure.

Adding to the uncertainty, dissident leader Ritabrata Banerjee asserted that the rebel camp represented the "real" Trinamool Congress and enjoyed the backing of a majority of the party's legislators. He rejected suggestions of any merger with the Congress, insisting that the dissident faction would continue to operate under the Trinamool banner while pressing its challenge to the existing leadership.

As political manoeuvring intensifies in Bengal, the possibility of tactical cooperation between opposition parties remains alive, but both Congress and Trinamool leaders appear keen to distance themselves from speculation about a full-fledged merger.