TMC Faces Major Split as Twenty MPs Join Obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India

The political landscape of West Bengal has been dramatically reshaped following the defection of twenty Trinamool Congress (TMC) Members of Parliament (MPs) to the obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). This significant exodus, announced on Tuesday, represents a profound internal crisis for the TMC, which is still reeling from its defeat in the 2026 assembly elections. The rebel faction, comprising over two-thirds of the TMC's Lok Sabha strength, has informed Speaker Om Birla of their merger and requested separate seating arrangements in Parliament, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from within the parent party.

The defection is seen as a direct consequence of the deepening internal rifts within the Trinamool Congress, which became overtly visible after its electoral setback in 2026. Reports indicate that rival factions have been operating separately, even to the extent of occupying distinct benches in the West Bengal legislative assembly during recent sessions. This disunity extends beyond parliamentary ranks, with a substantial group of MLAs also claiming support for a rebel faction and electing new leadership within their bloc in the state assembly.

TMC MP Kirti Azad launched a scathing attack on the defecting MPs, labeling them 'traitors' and questioning the legal standing of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. Azad emphasized that the NCPI is an 'unrecognised and unregistered party' with no prior representation in Parliament, dismissing the merger as 'undemocratic' and driven by personal ambitions, including alleged squabbles over potential ministerial positions among the rebels. The TMC has officially communicated its stance to the Lok Sabha Speaker, asserting that the 'real TMC' remains with Mamata Banerjee.

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India, once a largely unknown entity, has suddenly been thrust into the national spotlight. Registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 2022-23, the party, headquartered in Howrah, West Bengal, previously had a limited presence primarily in Tripura and Meghalaya. With the merger of 20 TMC MPs, the NCPI now dramatically ascends to become the fifth-largest party in the Lok Sabha and the second-largest ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. This rapid rise in parliamentary strength is remarkable for a party that, until recently, had no elected lawmakers anywhere in the country.

The decision by the rebel MPs to merge with an existing, albeit obscure, party like the NCPI rather than forming a new parliamentary bloc is strategically motivated. This approach aims to circumvent potential legal complications arising from the anti-defection law, which makes it challenging for individual MPs to switch parties without risking disqualification. By merging as a group, representing over two-thirds of the original party's strength, they seek to legitimize their move.

This political realignment introduces a new layer of volatility to West Bengal's political scene, which has been tense since the 2026 assembly elections. The TMC's defeat has triggered widespread dissent, with many leaders blaming the party's 'top brass' and the perceived centralization of power by Abhishek Banerjee, the party's national general secretary. Critics within the party have also pointed to an alleged reliance on external political consultancies and the sidelining of the 'old guard' as contributing factors to the electoral debacle and subsequent internal turmoil. These internal fissures have led to reduced attendance at party meetings and open questioning of leadership decisions, signaling a critical turning point for the Trinamool Congress.

Adding to the tumultuous atmosphere, TMC MP Derek O'Brien recently alleged an 'attempted attack' on Abhishek Banerjee at Kolkata airport by a 'BJP supporter with a gun'. While seemingly a separate incident, it underscores the heightened political tensions and confrontational environment prevailing in West Bengal. The overall situation presents a significant challenge for the TMC's leadership as it strives to maintain unity and rebuild its organizational strength amidst ongoing defections and public displays of disarray. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these legislative shifts and internal struggles on the political future of West Bengal and the dynamics of the Lok Sabha.