Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday evening to present his party’s stance in an ongoing dispute over an alleged split within the party’s parliamentary group. The meeting, which is set for 5 pm in the Speaker’s Parliament Chamber, comes amid competing claims over the status and recognition of a breakaway faction of MPs, according to sources. The controversy centres on a group of 20 TMC Members of Parliament who have reportedly sought recognition as a separate parliamentary faction after their alleged merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India.

The MPs have already approached the Speaker seeking formal acknowledgment as an independent group in the Lok Sabha, setting the stage for a procedural and constitutional examination of their claim. Banerjee’s meeting with the Speaker follows an official invitation extended to him to present the party’s position before any final decision is taken. Parliamentary sources said the Speaker is following due process by hearing all concerned parties, ensuring that both the original party leadership and the dissenting MPs are given an opportunity to present their arguments.

Earlier, on June 10, Abhishek Banerjee wrote to Speaker Om Birla opposing any recognition of a separate faction. In his letter, he argued that the Constitution and the anti-defection law do not permit the creation of a parallel group within an existing recognised political party in the House. He maintained that any such move would be inconsistent with parliamentary rules governing party representation. In his communication, Banerjee also requested that no parliamentary status, facilities, or recognition be extended to the breakaway group. He further insisted that the Trinamool Congress be allowed to present its case formally before any ruling is delivered, underscoring the party’s objection to what it views as an unauthorised division within its ranks.

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The rebel MPs, however, have already met the Speaker separately to submit their request for recognition as an independent grouping. Their argument is expected to be based on their reported alignment with another political formation, which they claim justifies their separation from the TMC’s parliamentary unit. Parliamentary sources indicate that the Speaker will assess the matter strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions, the Tenth Schedule relating to anti-defection rules, and established parliamentary precedents. The final decision is expected to hinge on whether the conditions for a formal split or merger, as defined under law, have been met.

The dispute has drawn significant political attention, as it could have implications for party strength, whip enforcement, and the distribution of parliamentary privileges. Recognition of a breakaway group would also affect seating arrangements, speaking rights, and committee representation in the Lok Sabha. While no timeline has been officially indicated for a final ruling, the Speaker is expected to complete consultations with both sides before delivering a decision. The outcome will likely be closely monitored not only by the Trinamool Congress but also by other political parties, given its potential impact on interpretations of the anti-defection framework and internal party discipline within Parliament.

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