• Source:JND

Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee suffered another political setback, days after losing control over the Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislative party, as nearly 20 Lok Sabha MPs on Monday extended their support to the BJP-led NDA at the Centre. The MPs wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announcing their support.

Party MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar told news agency PTI, "Nearly 20 TMC MPs, including me, decided to lend support to BJP-led NDA." 

Earlier, 14 MPs met with Union Minister and senior BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav at his residence. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari was also present during the meeting.

According to Jagran sources, Suvendu Adhikari arrived in Delhi on Monday for the meeting. BJP leader and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb was also present at the meeting.

Five MPs also met with Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekhar Ray, who resigned from the Rajya Sabha position as well as all other TMC positions today. The leaders are likely to join the NDA.

Those who met Sukhendu Shekhar are Burdwan East MP Sharmila Sarkar, Howrah MP Prasun Banerjee, Cooch Behar MP Jagdish Basunia, Jhargram MP Kalipad Soren, and Bankura MP Arup Chakraborty.

 Mamata attends INDIA meet, party MPs reach BJP leader 

 

The meeting comes as Mamata Banerjee was also in Delhi, joining the INDIA bloc huddle against the BJP and the Central government. Mamata is currently banking on the non-BJP unity across the nation to fight the saffron party after her 15-year reign came to a surprising end last month. 

ALSO READ: 'Voting Rights Stripped, Constitution Attacked, ED, CBI Used As Tools': Kharge Calls For Unity At INDIA Bloc Meet

In an unexpected turn of events, TMC not only suffered a massive electoral hit but also a fracture in its cadre. Ritabrata Banerjee led the rebellion and sidelined her to attain the role of the West Bengal LoP. As she attended the New Delhi meet with the INDIA bloc parties, her MPs now pose an even bigger threat to her dominance and political relevance back in the state. 

20 MPs hold secret meeting

According to PTI sources, around 20 MPs attended an informal meeting at an undisclosed location late on Sunday night in Delhi.

This triggered fresh speculation that the rebellion, which recently fractured the TMC's legislature, was now taking shape in its parliamentary wing in Delhi. The future course of action was discussed in the meeting as the party finds itself entangled in the crisis. However, senior TMC MP Sougata Roy sought to dismiss suggestions of a larger exodus.

ALSO READ: TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Quits Rajya Sabha Seat In Big Blow To Mamata Banerjee

"I have heard that some MPs held a separate meeting last night. Only they can say what was discussed in the meeting. I was not contacted by them," he said.

He added that he was approached by the BJP, but he declined the offer. "I told them I will remain with the TMC. At this age, it won't be possible for me to change camp," the 78-year-old four-term MP told PTI.


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