The TMC crisis deepens as Prakash Chik Baraik resigns from the Rajya Sabha, fueling questions about party unity, rebel leaders, and future alliances.

The TMC crisis grew deeper on Thursday after Trinamool Congress leader Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Rajya Sabha. He is the third TMC MP to step down in last four days, adding to the party's ongoing troubles.

His resignation comes as the party continues to deal with the fallout from its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections and growing internal disagreements. Explaining his decision, Baraik said he was respecting the people's verdict in Bengal and therefore chose to leave his parliamentary post.

The news that MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigns has raised more questions about the party's future. When asked whether he would join the BJP, Baraik did not give a clear answer and said only that "time will tell."

A Wave of High-Profile Exits Is Shaking the Party

Baraik's resignation follows similar moves by two other Rajya Sabha MPs. On Monday, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigned from both the Rajya Sabha and the TMC, citing the party's electoral defeat. Just two days later, Sushmita Dev also stepped down, pointing to personal and political reasons for her departure.

Dev's recent meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked speculation about her future political plans, though she has denied acting out of political opportunism.

Is the Opposition Camp Heading for a New Alignment?

Amid the political uncertainty, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi met TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in New Delhi and urged stronger opposition unity against the BJP. The meeting followed discussions among INDIA bloc leaders about improving coordination among alliance partners.

Adding to the speculation, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee also met Rahul Gandhi, fueling discussions about possible future cooperation between the two parties. However, both the Congress and TMC have firmly dismissed reports suggesting a merger.

Senior TMC leaders called such reports baseless, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that the meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee was cordial and focused largely on personal matters.

Internal Rebellion Continues to Grow

The MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigns episode comes alongside growing unrest within the party's parliamentary and legislative wings.

Reports suggest that:

  • Around 20 TMC MPs have sought separate seating arrangements in the Lok Sabha.

  • A group of 58 out of 80 TMC MLAs reportedly challenged the party leadership's choice for Leader of the Opposition.

  • Expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has emerged as a central figure in the internal dispute.

  • These developments have raised serious questions about party unity and leadership control.

Can Mamata Banerjee Regain Control?

In response to the mounting challenges, the TMC recently dissolved all its state committees and organisational units, announcing a comprehensive review of its structure and performance.

As Business Fortune observes, resignations, rebellion, and alliance discussions continue to dominate headlines and the coming weeks could prove crucial for the party. Whether the TMC can rebuild unity or faces further fragmentation may significantly influence opposition politics ahead of future electoral battles.

FAQs

1. Why did Prakash Chik Baraik resign from the Rajya Sabha?

He said he was respecting the opinion of the people of West Bengal following the Assembly election results.

2. Has Prakash Chik Baraik joined the BJP?

No official announcement has been made. Baraik only said that "time will tell" when asked about joining the BJP.

3. How many TMC MPs have resigned recently?

Three Rajya Sabha MPs—Prakash Chik Baraik, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Sushmita Dev—have resigned within a short period.

4. Is there a merger planned between the TMC and Congress?

No. Both parties have denied reports suggesting any merger discussions.

5. Why is the TMC facing internal turmoil?

The party has been dealing with resignations, disagreements among MPs and MLAs, and fallout from its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.