Twenty Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha MPs announced a merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India on June 14, 2026 [1].
The move signals a significant shift in the political landscape of West Bengal and the composition of the Lok Sabha. By aligning with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the rebel group strengthens the ruling coalition's position while weakening the TMC's influence in Parliament.
Led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the group intends to seek separate seating within the Lok Sabha [2]. The lawmakers cited internal dissent within the TMC and a desire to align with the ruling coalition as the primary drivers for the decision [3].
"We will merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party and support the NDA in Parliament," Dastidar said [1].
The number of MPs involved is reported as 20 by some sources [1], though other reports cite 19 lawmakers [4]. This discrepancy highlights the volatility of the current split as the party attempts to gauge the full extent of the defection.
Legal disputes over the legitimacy of the move have already surfaced. Some party members argue the MPs are exercising their rights under the 91st Amendment to merge with another party [1]. However, other TMC leaders disagree with this interpretation.
"There is no legal basis for a split; the only option is a merger and they must resign," Mahua Moitra (TMC) said [2].
The remaining TMC leadership has indicated it will not accept the split without a legal challenge. The party intends to protect its identity and electoral assets in the wake of the merger.
"We will fight in court to be recognised as the real TMC and stake claim to its poll symbol," Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC) said [5].
The rebel MPs' transition to the Nationalist Citizens Party comes amid reports of collaboration with the BJP, though some accounts vary on whether the support for the NDA is a formal agreement or a strategic alignment [3].
“"We will merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party and support the NDA in Parliament."”
This merger represents a strategic blow to the Trinamool Congress, as the loss of nearly 20 MPs reduces its legislative leverage and creates a leadership vacuum. By shifting toward the NDA, these lawmakers are repositioning themselves within the ruling power structure of India, potentially altering the balance of power in West Bengal's representation at the federal level.
