Rajya Sabha Chairman Accepts Resignation Of TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray

Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on Monday accepted the resignation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, bringing an end to his tenure in the Upper House and marking a significant development amid growing political turmoil within the party. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat issued an official notification confirming that Ray, an elected member representing West Bengal, had resigned from the Council of States and that his resignation had been accepted with effect from June 8, 2026. The acceptance of his resignation formally renders the seat vacant.

Earlier in the day, Ray met the Rajya Sabha Chairman and personally submitted his resignation. Speaking to reporters afterward, he said he had also informed TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee of his decision through WhatsApp and email. Ray noted that although his Rajya Sabha term was scheduled to continue until 2029, he chose to step down on principle, saying it had become difficult for him to remain associated with the party.

The veteran parliamentarian, one of the Trinamool Congress's most prominent voices in Parliament, announced his resignation in the national capital just hours before a key meeting of the INDIA bloc attended by Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. His departure has added to the uncertainty surrounding the party at a time when questions are being raised about its internal cohesion.

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Ray's resignation comes in the wake of an unprecedented revolt within the TMC's legislative wing in West Bengal. Recently, 58 party MLAs reportedly broke ranks with the leadership and backed Ritabrata Banerjee for the post of Leader of the Opposition, rejecting the party's official nominee, Shovandeb Chattopadhyay. The move culminated in Ritabrata Banerjee's recognition by the Assembly Speaker, exposing deep divisions within the organisation following the party's defeat in the state assembly elections.

In a statement explaining his decision, Ray cited what he described as widespread corruption within both the government and the party structure. He also claimed that public dissatisfaction with the previous TMC administration had reached alarming levels. His remarks are likely to intensify political debate in West Bengal, where the party is already grappling with signs of internal dissent and growing speculation about further defections.

The resignation has emerged as one of the most significant setbacks for the TMC in recent months and could have wider implications for the party's parliamentary strength and political future if the unrest within its ranks continues to grow.

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