• Source:JND

Trinamool Congress MP, belonging to Mamata Banerjee's faction, Kalyan Banerjee, on Tuesday called 20 party MPs' support to the BJP-led NDA a betrayal.

Targeting the Kakoli Dastidar-led faction of MPs, Banerjee expressed relief, saying the rebels have now displayed where their loyalty lies.

"We are very happy that the double-character people are gone. Whoever wants to go can go. We are okay with you leaving. But you cannot take the name of the Trinamool and Mamata Banerjee. People know the truth, and they stand by us," Kalyan Banerjee said.

They don't have enough numbers, says Kalyan

Banerjee, however, made a shocking claim that the BJP will not take them into their party as the group does not have sufficient numbers.

Speaking at a press conference, he said, "They don't have enough numbers to merge with another party." The statement carries significance as the group of 20 MPs collectively makes up over two-thirds of the majority in the Lok Sabha. This makes them immune to the Anti-Defection law and paves a comfortable way for their merger, if needed.

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Besides, an NDTV report suggests that the Mamata faction is trying to bring the rebel MPs back. Abhishek Banerjee, the Diamond Harbour MP and Mamata's nephew, has reportedly reached out to the rebel legislators, seeking their return.

The report, however, adds that MPs are adamant about their decision to work as a splinter group. On Monday, the rebel group chose Kakoli Ghosh as their own chief whip, expressing defiance to Mamata, who had appointed Kalyan for the post.

Kalyan lashed out at the group, calling them power hungry. He alleged that the leaders once campaigned for TMC and praised Mamata because she was in power.

"These leaders once campaigned for the Trinamool and praised Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Just because the Trinamool is not in power, these MPs are making such allegations. These rebel MPs cannot live without power," he said.

ALSO READ: TMC Now Has Three Camps: How Kakoli Ghosh-Led 20 MPs' Block Will Change Lok Sabha Game | Explained

Legal action after Speaker's decision

He also added that Mamata's TMC faction will wait for Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision on Kakoli-led bloc's letter of support for the BJP. Based on the Speaker's decision, they would take legal recourse.


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