TMC rebellion, Sena-UBT split fears deepen as NCPI merger hangs in balance and ‘Operation Tiger’ gains momentum

Mamata Banerjee faces a major political challenge as a group of at least 20 Lok Sabha MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) seeks to break away and merge with the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a move that could significantly strengthen the BJP-led NDA in Parliament.

At the same time, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) is grappling with a possible split in its Lok Sabha ranks, with several MPs reportedly preparing to form a separate group and align with the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde.

Key developments

TMC merger decision pending Speaker’s approval

The proposed merger of the rebel TMC faction, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has not yet been approved. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has decided to hear the TMC leadership before taking a final decision. The Lok Sabha Secretariat contacted TMC floor leader Abhishek Banerjee after he urged the Speaker not to recognise any breakaway faction. A meeting could not take place on Monday as Banerjee was appearing before the Enforcement Directorate, and discussions are now expected later this week.

Potential boost for the NDA

If the merger is approved, the NDA’s strength in the Lok Sabha would increase from 294 to 314 seats. In the Rajya Sabha, the alliance’s tally could rise to 155 seats, bringing it closer to the two-thirds majority mark in both Houses.

‘Operation Tiger’ intensifies in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, efforts by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to attract MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) have reportedly accelerated. The development follows a meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray that was attended by only four of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs. Leaders from the ruling Shiv Sena claim that six MPs from the rival faction are considering forming a separate group before merging with their parliamentary unit.

Several Sena (UBT) MPs under spotlight

According to party insiders, MPs Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh and Bhausaheb Wakchaure travelled to New Delhi and were reportedly unavailable to party leadership. The six MPs believed to be part of the potential breakaway group include Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar and Sanjay Patil, though these reports have not been independently verified.

Fresh troubles for Mamata Banerjee

The reported rebellion comes amid broader political turbulence for the TMC following its defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. Earlier, MLA Ritabrata Banerjee staked a claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly with support from 58 legislators. The rebel MPs’ camp reportedly includes several prominent TMC figures, including Saayoni Ghosh, Yusuf Pathan, Rachna Banerjee and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.