“We accepted the poll verdict in Bengal and believe our future political course should be aligned with the NDA,” Dastidar said, indicating growing discontent among a section of TMC lawmakers following the party’s assembly election setback.
Her remarks came a day after around 20 TMC MPs reportedly attended a closed-door meeting at an undisclosed location in Delhi, even as party chief Mamata Banerjee was in the national capital to attend the INDIA bloc meeting.
According to party sources, as cited by PTI, the MPs discussed possible future options and voiced dissatisfaction with the party’s current parliamentary leadership structure. The gathering has fuelled speculation that the rebellion that recently weakened the party’s legislative wing in West Bengal may now be spreading to its parliamentary ranks.
As per the report, no final decision was taken at the meeting, but several MPs expressed concern that the party leadership had failed to adequately assess the reasons behind the electoral defeat.
“The meeting was essentially about the future course. Several MPs expressed concern that the leadership was unwilling to acknowledge the reasons behind the party’s electoral setback,” a TMC leader aware of the discussions said.A photograph from the meeting surfaced on social media on Monday, showing several TMC Lok Sabha MPs seated around a table, further intensifying speculation about divisions within the party.
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Senior TMC MP Sougata Roy sought to downplay reports of a larger exodus.
“I have heard that some MPs held a separate meeting last night. Only they can say what transpired in the meeting. I was not contacted by them,” Roy said.
Asked about reports that the BJP was reaching out to TMC MPs, Roy said he had also been approached but rejected the proposal.
“I told them I will remain with the TMC. At this age, it won’t be possible for me to change camp,” the four-term MP said.
