Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata
Kolkata, Jun 8: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has suffered another political setback with senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy resigning from both the Upper House and the party.
In his resignation letter addressed to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Roy criticised the party's functioning and claimed that voters in West Bengal had rejected it over issues including alleged corruption, women's safety concerns and governance failures in sectors such as education, healthcare, industry, employment and law and order.
Roy, one of the TMC's longest-serving members in the Rajya Sabha, also referred to the BJP's recent electoral performance in the state and said the newly elected government had begun implementing programmes aimed at the state's development in line with its election promises.
The resignation comes as Mamata Banerjee is in New Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, where opposition parties are expected to discuss future political strategy following recent electoral developments.
According to reports, the TMC is facing internal challenges after its performance in the Assembly elections. Rival leader Ritabrata Banerjee has reportedly emerged as Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly after claiming the support of 61 of the party's 80 MLAs.
Reports also suggest growing unrest within the party's parliamentary wing. Sources have claimed that several TMC MPs are in touch with the rebel faction and that discussions are underway regarding the possibility of forming a separate group.
The TMC currently has 28 members in the Lok Sabha and 13 members in the Rajya Sabha. Under anti-defection provisions, a minimum of 22 Lok Sabha MPs or nine Rajya Sabha MPs would be required for recognition as a separate group in their respective Houses.
Neither the TMC leadership nor Mamata Banerjee had immediately issued a detailed response to the developments. The situation is being closely watched as it could have significant implications for the party's strength both in Parliament and in West Bengal politics.