Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress has been dealt a heavy blow, with around 20 of its rebel MPs proposing to merge with the NCPI, a Tripura-based party that is part of the NDA. The move could strengthen the NDA's position in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have moved the merger proposal, which has now reached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The Speaker is expected to decide after hearing the TMC leadership, including the party's Lok Sabha floor leader, Abhishek Banerjee.
Discontent within the Trinamool has grown since its defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. In that backdrop, MLA Ritabrata Banerjee claimed the post of Leader of the Opposition with the backing of 58 lawmakers. Some leaders have resigned party posts amid the turmoil.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a writ petition seeking to prevent party leaders from switching sides, ruling that the allegations were vague and without reliable material.
Political analysts say a merger could alter the arithmetic in both Houses of Parliament. Some of the party's MLAs have also voiced unease.
The NCPI is a small Tripura-based party and part of the NDA. Under merger rules, a move can be recognised if two-thirds of a House's members back it. Analysts say the episode could alter the Opposition's arithmetic in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The Trinamool has rejected the developments as political theatre by its rivals. The leadership said it will place its position before the Speaker. The final call rests with the Speaker's office.