West Bengal Politics: Alleged letter with signatures of 19 TMC MPs intensifies speculation over a split in the party

The political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has deepened after an alleged letter bearing the signatures of 19 Lok Sabha MPs surfaced, fueling speculation about the formation of a separate parliamentary group. The reported list includes names such as Kakoli Ghosh, Shatabdi Roy, Yusuf Pathan and Sayani Ghosh, with claims that the required numerical support for a split has been achieved. TMC leaders, however, have strongly contested these developments. Mahua Moitra stated that the Constitution does not provide for a separate group in the manner being suggested and argued that any dissident MPs would have to resign and contest elections again if they wished to switch sides. Veteran MP Shatrughan Sinha rejected rumors of joining the rebel camp, reaffirming his loyalty to Mamata Banerjee and saying he would not leave the party during difficult times. Meanwhile, Kirti Azad alleged that central agencies and political pressure are being used to target opposition leaders, questioning the authenticity and motivations behind the reports of defections.