The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) said 20 rebel members of parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have merged with its ranks [1], [2].

This development could shift the balance of power in the Lok Sabha by bolstering the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the BJP. If the merger is recognized, it allows the lawmakers to avoid the anti-defection law, which typically requires a representative to vacate their seat if they leave their party.

The NCPI, an outfit based in Tripura, said it has become the largest parliamentary bloc in West Bengal following the merger [2]. This move is presented as a strategic effort to provide legislative support to the NDA [2].

However, the scale and status of the split remain contested. Saumitra Khan, a senior leader with the BJP, said the 20 TMC lawmakers were in contact to defect [1]. The TMC said these allegations are bogus [1].

The turmoil within the TMC appears to extend beyond the national parliament. Reports indicate that 64 rebel TMC members of the legislative assembly are planning to petition the Election Commission [3].

These internal fractures come as the party faces increasing pressure from the BJP in West Bengal. The use of a third-party merger is a known tactic in Indian politics to circumvent the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which prevents lawmakers from switching parties for personal or political gain without losing their mandate.

“The NCPI says it has become the largest parliamentary bloc in West Bengal.”

The reported merger represents a tactical attempt to navigate India's strict anti-defection laws, which generally only allow lawmakers to switch parties without losing their seats if two-thirds of the party's legislative members agree. By merging with a smaller outfit like the NCPI, the rebel MPs seek a legal loophole to align with the NDA without triggering a by-election, potentially altering the legislative strength of the ruling coalition.