The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing growing internal strain as party MP Mahua Moitra launched a scathing attack on leaders allegedly drifting towards the BJP, triggering fresh political tensions within the party. Her remarks come at a time when reports of defections and backchannel contacts with BJP leadership have intensified.
In a strongly worded post on X, Moitra asserted that MPs elected on a TMC ticket in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have no moral right to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) without first resigning their seats. “MPs were elected in 2024 on a TMC ticket. The mandate was not for the NDA. All the greedy, self-serving traitors can join the BJP now — resign your seats and contest on a BJP ticket. Let’s see how popular you really are,” she wrote.
Moitra also appeared to take a direct swipe at TMC MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, amid reports that he had been summoned to Delhi by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Questioning his intentions, she wrote, “Yusuf Pathan, are you rushing to Delhi because Amit Shah has called you? Have some courage. You played for India. Our district elected you with a huge mandate. Show some dignity and backbone.”
Her remarks have amplified speculation about internal fissures within the TMC, especially as the party navigates a politically sensitive phase ahead of key electoral battles.
Adding another dimension to the unfolding situation, senior TMC leader Saugata Roy confirmed that he had received an offer from the BJP to switch sides but chose to reject it. Speaking to ANI, Roy said, “Yes, I received an offer from the BJP to join them. But I rejected it. I will remain with the party on whose symbol I won the election.”
Roy’s statement comes amid visible turbulence within the party, including the recent resignation of a Rajya Sabha MP and reports suggesting that some TMC Lok Sabha MPs have held meetings with BJP leaders. These developments have fueled concerns about potential defections and internal instability.
Despite the turmoil, Roy maintained that the TMC is being politically targeted and emphasized the importance of opposition unity. “TMC is being targeted repeatedly. Support from other opposition parties will give the party strength,” he said.
He also pointed to recent expressions of solidarity from Congress leaders, noting that party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had condemned the attack on TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur.
The contrasting responses from Moitra and Roy highlight the broader tension within the TMC—between defiance and damage control—as the party seeks to contain internal dissent while countering external political pressure. With speculation continuing to swirl around possible defections, the coming weeks are likely to be critical for the party’s cohesion and political positioning.
