Lok Sabha Speaker Seeks Abhishek Banerjee’s Response In TMC Split Row

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has directed Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to appear before him on Friday, June 19, as part of proceedings in an ongoing dispute involving a section of Trinamool Congress MPs seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary faction. The development comes amid heightened political and procedural scrutiny over claims of a split within the party’s parliamentary ranks.

According to parliamentary sources, the Speaker is examining a petition submitted by around 20 Trinamool Congress MPs who have claimed that they have merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and are seeking formal recognition as an independent group in the Lok Sabha. The request has triggered an official review under parliamentary rules governing party mergers, splits, and disqualification provisions.

The rebel MPs have already met Speaker Om Birla to present their position, arguing that their realignment reflects a legitimate political merger. In parallel, representatives aligned with the Trinamool Congress leadership, led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have also sought an opportunity to present their side before the Speaker, ensuring that both factions are heard before any decision is taken.

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Parliamentary sources said the Speaker intends to follow due process and hear arguments from both sides before arriving at a conclusion. The final decision is expected to be grounded in the provisions of the anti-defection law and other applicable parliamentary rules, which lay down conditions under which a group of legislators can be recognised as a separate faction following a split or merger.

In a formal communication to the Speaker, Abhishek Banerjee has argued that any valid merger under the anti-defection law requires two key conditions to be satisfied simultaneously: a merger of the original political party and the support of at least two-thirds of its elected legislators. He maintained that fulfilling only one of these conditions would not be sufficient to establish legal validity for the claim made by the rebel MPs.

Sources further indicated that a decision on the matter is likely to be taken before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is expected to begin in the third week of July. The Speaker’s ruling is also expected to take into account a written opinion from the Union Law Ministry, which may consult a senior law officer before submitting its final assessment. Officials said the outcome could have significant implications for the Trinamool Congress’s representation and internal balance in the Lok Sabha.

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