KOLKATA – A substantial political upheaval struck the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday, June 8, 2026, as a faction of approximately 20 Members of Parliament declared their intent to form a new bloc and extend support to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This unprecedented move, led by TMC MP Kakali Ghosh Dastidar, signals a significant challenge to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's political authority.
Rebel MPs Announce New Bloc
Kakali Ghosh Dastidar, currently serving as the Chief Whip of the TMC in the Lok Sabha, confirmed that she and nearly 20 fellow party MPs have decided to formally communicate their decision to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Their letter will express a clear desire to align with the NDA, marking a dramatic shift in allegiance.
Dastidar stated that her discussions with colleagues, conducted in her capacity as Chief Whip, preceded this collective decision. She also publicly contested her recent removal from the chief whip position, branding it as "arbitrary" and "unilateral," asserting that such a change does not immediately alter her constitutional and parliamentary standing.
Implications for Trinamool Congress
The Trinamool Congress currently holds 28 seats in the Lok Sabha. Should the claims of the rebel faction materialize, it would represent a considerable erosion of the party's parliamentary strength and a major political setback for Mamata Banerjee. Another TMC MP, Sharmila Sarkar, elaborated on the faction's strategy, indicating that while they remain within the Trinamool Congress, they are establishing a distinct bloc within the party structure.
"The number is 20 at present, but more MPs may join us in the coming days," Sarkar told India Today, further adding, "We are forming a different bloc of 20 MPs and going to give support to the NDA. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar is our chief whip, and Shatabdi Roy is our deputy leader."
Dastidar, who has reportedly been at odds with the TMC leadership, articulated the rebel MPs' belief that the recent electoral mandate in West Bengal necessitates a political realignment. According to her, their "future political course should be aligned with the NDA" in deference to the public's will.
Internal Party Conflicts Emerge
The announced defection follows closely on the heels of another internal party struggle within the TMC. Days prior, 58 of the party's 80 MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly defied the high command's choice for Leader of the Opposition, instead electing expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee to the post over veteran leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay.
However, the rebel camp's claims of widespread support have been met with skepticism from within the TMC. MP Kirti Azad dismissed the group's assertions, alleging that they have only managed to secure 13 signatures from party MPs thus far, casting doubt on the stated figure of 20.