Reports of internal strife within the Trinamool Congress intensified on Sunday as speculation grew that senior Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay may join a rebel camp of party lawmakers, potentially deepening the political crisis within the organisation. According to sources, the development could significantly alter the leadership dynamics within the breakaway faction, which is already positioning itself as a parallel power centre in Parliament.

Bandyopadhyay, a six-time Member of Parliament and one of the most experienced figures in the party, is said to have made up his mind to align with the group of dissenting Lok Sabha MPs. His potential move is expected to carry considerable political weight, with sources indicating that he may even be considered for a leadership role within the rebel bloc, replacing Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who has so far been acting as the faction’s prominent face.

The rebel group, according to its members, claims growing support within the party’s parliamentary ranks, with assertions that the number of MPs backing the breakaway initiative has risen to around 22. Leaders associated with the faction are scheduled to meet in New Delhi, where they are expected to discuss formal recognition, seating arrangements in Parliament, and their future political strategy. Reports also suggest that the group may extend support to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, further escalating tensions within the Trinamool Congress.

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However, the developments have triggered strong reactions from the party’s leadership. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh launched a sharp attack on Bandyopadhyay, accusing him of betrayal and criticising his political conduct. The party has described the growing dissent as a serious act of disloyalty, arguing that leaders who once held key positions under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are now undermining the organisation.

Amid the parliamentary unrest, a parallel crisis is unfolding in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, where another group of dissident lawmakers claims to have the support of a significant number of MLAs. Rebel leaders have reportedly asserted backing from more than 60 legislators and are seeking recognition as a separate faction. They have also indicated readiness for a floor test, should the Speaker deem it necessary, in an attempt to demonstrate their numerical strength.

The widening rift within the Trinamool Congress is being attributed by political observers to growing dissatisfaction within sections of the party, with internal disagreements reportedly centring on organisational control and leadership decisions. While some leaders continue to publicly support Mamata Banerjee, the emerging factional divide suggests an evolving power struggle that could have far-reaching implications for the party’s structure in both Parliament and the state assembly.

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