TMC Defectors Claim Constitutional Support for Their Move, Says Sudip Bandopadhyay

June 17, 2026

New Delhi, June 17: A wave of rebellion has surged within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following its loss of power in West Bengal after 15 years. Twenty Members of Parliament (MPs) from the party have split to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. Reports suggest that the number of rebel MPs may continue to grow. In this context, rebel MP Sudip Bandopadhyay asserted that they have not betrayed the TMC. He emphasized that the Constitution allows for the separation of two-thirds of MPs.

During a media interaction, Bandopadhyay stated, “We are 20 Lok Sabha MPs. If MPs are separating, it cannot be termed a betrayal. The Constitution of the country permits this. The Lok Sabha also allows it. If the number were less than two-thirds, it would be considered a betrayal.”

In fact, if at least two-thirds of the MPs from a political party in the Lok Sabha decide to join another party or merge, they are not disqualified under the anti-defection law.

Sudip Bandopadhyay mentioned that he had joined the TMC after resigning from the Congress party. “I resigned from the Congress before joining the TMC,” he clarified. Regarding the question of who constitutes the ‘real TMC,’ he stated that the court will ultimately decide.

He cited the example of the Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra, where the court determined who the real Shiv Sena was, making it clear to everyone afterward.

Bandopadhyay noted that the Lok Sabha’s monsoon session is set to commence on July 20, and steps will be taken before the session begins.

He added that it is not feasible for him to travel to Delhi regularly. Discussions are ongoing about how both factions can come together and outline a future action plan for the group.

On matters concerning the TMC’s symbols, assets, and other organizational issues, Bandopadhyay stated that decisions need to be made on all these fronts. Experience suggests that many of these issues will ultimately be resolved in court. The responsibilities of the Lok Sabha Speaker include recognizing the parliamentary group, forming it, and allocating space for the party office.