Key facts
- BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra alleged that Mamata Banerjee's leadership style created a "reign of terror" within the Trinamool Congress.
- Mishra claimed TMC leaders felt pressure and devastation under Banerjee's previous tenure.
- A group of 20 TMC MPs have formally requested separate seating in the Lok Sabha.
- This request follows the TMC's underwhelming performance in recent West Bengal Assembly elections.
- The move indicates potential internal divisions within the TMC's parliamentary ranks.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manan Kumar Mishra has claimed that Mamata Banerjee's leadership style instilled fear within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), describing it as a "reign of terror." Mishra stated that TMC leaders felt pressure and devastation under Banerjee's previous tenure, and that a change in administration has led to a sense of freedom.
Mishra alleged that whether TMC leaders form a new party, support the BJP, or take any other political course, it reflects that they were previously under pressure and felt suffocated within the party structure. He asserted that any attempt to portray the situation differently would be incorrect.
Amid these claims, a group of 20 TMC Members of Parliament have formally requested separate seating arrangements in the Lok Sabha. This move, confirmed by TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, signals potential internal divisions within the party's parliamentary ranks. The list of MPs includes Bapi Haldar, Dr. Sharmila Sarkar, Prasun Bandyopadhyay, Jagadish Barma Basunia, Asit Kumar Mal, Arup Chakraborty, Rachna Banerjee, Saayoni Ghosh, Khalilur Rahaman, Yusuf Pathan, Mitali Bag, Mala Roy, Kalipada Soren, Deepak Adhikari, June Malia, and Partha Bhowmick. This development follows the TMC's underwhelming performance in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, which has reportedly led to a widening rift between party veterans and the central leadership.