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Both parties joined forces over the alleged harassment of migrant Bengalis, with Congress moving an adjournment motion on the matter.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee seen protesting with INDIA bloc leaders.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) ended the just-concluded Parliament session on what insiders describe as a “positive note.” While it was not a case of electoral victory, party leaders believe TMC managed to function as a cohesive unit and made its presence felt — something it had struggled to achieve over the past year despite having significant strength in both Houses.
According to sources, Congress also aligned itself with TMC during the session, particularly on issues of Bengali Asmita. This joint stance marked a noticeable shift, as relations between the two parties had remained cold for over a year. TMC insiders told News18 that party supremo Mamata Banerjee had been deeply dissatisfied with how her Lok Sabha MPs were handling critical issues, which led her to assign greater responsibility to Abhishek Banerjee.
Congress–TMC Bonhomie Gains Ground
A key development outside Parliament was the growing closeness between Congress and TMC. Both parties joined forces over the alleged harassment of migrant Bengalis, with Congress moving an adjournment motion on the matter. While leaders admit there is little possibility of an alliance between Congress and TMC in Bengal ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, the renewed coordination at the national level is being viewed as a strategic shift.
At the recent INDIA bloc dinner hosted at Rahul Gandhi’s residence, Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi held a separate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and resolved to pursue issues more aggressively. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also engaged with Abhishek on the matter, signaling stronger networking within the Opposition camp.
Kalyan–Mahua Rift Contained
The highly public spat between MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra had caused concern within the party. Sources say Mamata Banerjee was unhappy with the feud and expressed her displeasure directly. Kalyan Banerjee, who subsequently resigned as Chief Whip, was seen standing alongside Mahua in a protest thereafter, signaling a temporary truce. Insiders say Abhishek Banerjee played a role in calming tempers and ensuring discipline.
Discipline Tightened, MPs Cautioned
TMC leadership has also tightened its grip on parliamentary discipline. Absenteeism among MPs has been flagged as a major concern, with several members warned. MP Kirti, who wrote to the Union government seeking a CBI probe, was reportedly cautioned, given that TMC has consistently questioned the credibility of the central agency.
On the Constitution Amendment Bill, sources said party MPs were instructed by their Lok Sabha leader to adopt a head-on approach. Abhishek Banerjee also personally reached out to women MPs who were heckled during the session and later addressed the media, making it clear that such incidents were unacceptable and would be strongly taken up by the party.
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East… Read More
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