New Delhi, June 17: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad has strongly criticized the rebel faction within the party, stating that it has no political credibility and reaffirming that the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress remains the only genuine political party. Kirti Azad made these remarks amid growing political tensions following reports that a group of rebel MPs has decided to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

The statement by Kirti Azad comes as the political landscape in West Bengal continues to witness dramatic developments over the future of the Trinamool Congress and the status of its rebel lawmakers.

Kirti Azad Rejects Legitimacy of Rebel Camp

Speaking to reporters, Kirti Azad dismissed the rebel group as lacking public support and political legitimacy. He compared the current situation to two competing sports teams, emphasizing that only one represents the true identity of the Trinamool Congress.

According to Kirti Azad, the real Trinamool Congress is the one led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and recognized by its iconic twin-flower election symbol.

He remarked that the rebel faction, now associated with the pen-nib election symbol under the Nationalist Citizens Party of India, cannot claim the political legacy or public trust earned by the original TMC.

Kirti Azad Highlights TMC’s Electoral Strength

Defending his party, Kirti Azad pointed to the Trinamool Congress’s strong electoral performance in the recent elections. He noted that the party secured nearly 2.6 crore votes, accounting for around 41 percent of the total vote share despite facing significant political challenges.

Kirti Azad argued that this overwhelming public mandate clearly demonstrates the people’s faith in Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and the Trinamool Congress.

He further said that the rebel faction lacks comparable public support and therefore cannot claim equal political standing.

Political Crisis Within TMC

The remarks by Kirti Azad come amid reports that nearly 20 Trinamool Congress MPs have formed a separate group and announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India.

The development has triggered intense political debate, with questions arising over the future of the Trinamool Congress in Parliament.

According to reports, the rebel MPs have approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking separate seating arrangements in Parliament.

Lok Sabha Speaker Reviewing the Matter

Sources indicate that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has initiated the process of hearing both factions before making any decision regarding the recognition of the rebel group.

The office of the Speaker has reportedly invited representatives from both the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the rebel faction for formal discussions.

Kirti Azad expressed confidence that constitutional procedures would ultimately recognize the original Trinamool Congress as the legitimate political party.

Anti-Defection Law and Merger Claims

One of the major legal issues surrounding the political crisis involves the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, commonly known as the anti-defection law.

The rebel MPs argue that their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India complies with constitutional provisions because more than two-thirds of the parliamentary party has allegedly joined the new political formation.

However, Kirti Azad maintained that legal technicalities cannot replace the political legitimacy and public mandate enjoyed by the Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.

Political experts believe the Speaker’s final decision could significantly influence the future of both factions.

Nationalist Citizens Party of India Gains Attention

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a relatively small political party based in Tripura, has unexpectedly entered the national political spotlight following the reported merger.

The party’s national organising secretary, Shantanu Dey, welcomed the new members and expressed hope that the party would expand its national presence while supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development vision.

Despite these developments, Kirti Azad insisted that the NCPI cannot replace the political identity and organisational strength of the Trinamool Congress.

Mamata Banerjee Continues to Lead TMC

Throughout the ongoing political developments, Kirti Azad has repeatedly emphasized that Mamata Banerjee remains the undisputed leader of the Trinamool Congress.

He stated that the party’s organisational structure, grassroots workers, and electoral support continue to stand firmly behind her leadership.

According to Kirti Azad, isolated defections cannot diminish the party’s credibility or weaken its long-standing political influence in West Bengal.

Political Significance of Kirti Azad’s Statement

Political analysts believe that the remarks made by Kirti Azad are intended to reassure party workers and supporters amid widespread speculation regarding internal divisions.

His strong defence of the Trinamool Congress signals the leadership’s determination to project unity despite the ongoing crisis.

Observers note that statements from senior leaders like Kirti Azad play a crucial role in shaping public opinion during periods of political uncertainty.

Future of the Political Dispute

The coming weeks are expected to be important as constitutional authorities review the claims made by both factions.

The Speaker’s decision regarding recognition, seating arrangements, and parliamentary status could have lasting political implications.

Meanwhile, Kirti Azad remains confident that the Trinamool Congress will emerge stronger from the controversy and continue to represent the interests of its supporters.

The latest statement by Kirti Azad has added a significant political dimension to the ongoing dispute within the Trinamool Congress. By rejecting the legitimacy of the rebel camp and reaffirming support for Mamata Banerjee, Kirti Azad has sought to strengthen the party’s position during a period of uncertainty.

As the constitutional process moves forward, all eyes will remain on the decisions of the Lok Sabha Speaker and the evolving political developments in West Bengal. Regardless of the outcome, Kirti Azad has made it clear that he considers the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress to be the only genuine political party and believes its public mandate remains intact.