20 TMC MPs backing NDA? TMC rejects viral claim; BJP alleges growing revolt within Mamata’s party

A fresh political sparring match erupted between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday after BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed that discontent was brewing within the ruling West Bengal party, even as TMC leader Kirti Azad dismissed as “fake and fabricated” a viral social media post alleging that 20 party MPs were preparing to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The controversy comes amid renewed speculation over internal dynamics within the Mamata Banerjee-led party, with the BJP alleging growing dissatisfaction among sections of TMC legislators and parliamentarians, while the TMC has accused its rival of spreading misinformation to create divisions within its ranks.

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Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla claimed that a sizeable section of TMC legislators no longer identified with the current leadership and were seeking to project themselves as the “real TMC”.

“60 TMC MLAs are claiming themselves to be the real TMC and are distancing themselves from Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. And now, even MPs have decided that they cannot continue with the TMC led by Abhishek Banerjee,” he said.

The BJP leader further targeted former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of prioritising her nephew and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee over organisational interests.

“Mamata Banerjee is obsessed with her nephew. That is why, the party is slipping out of her hands. She ought to prioritise the party over her nephew,” Poonawalla alleged.

#WATCH | Delhi: On TMC leader Kirti Azad’s statement, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, “…60 TMC MLAs are claiming themselves to be the real TMC and are distancing themselves from Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. And now, even MPs have decided that they… pic.twitter.com/8KhZvsBKPT

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2026

Kirti Azad rejects viral claim on TMC MPs

The remarks came against the backdrop of a viral graphic circulating on social media that claimed a group of 20 TMC MPs was preparing to extend support to the NDA at the Centre.

Responding to the claim, senior TMC leader Kirti Azad said the list was fabricated and accused the BJP of attempting to engineer confusion about the party’s internal situation.

In a post on X, Azad said, “This fake and fabricated list has been floated by the BJP. Six out of these have categorically denied having signed on any documents/papers. Operation Lotus has failed. Amit Shah has failed.”

This fake and fabricated list has been floated by the BJP.
Six out of these have categorically denied to have signed on any documents/papers.
Operation Lotus has failed.
Amit Shah has failed pic.twitter.com/y713JyWHKp

— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) June 9, 2026

The viral post named several TMC leaders and MPs and alleged that they had formed a separate bloc within the party to support the NDA government.

TMC accuses BJP of spreading misinformation

Azad also referred to similar claims made earlier and accused the BJP of trying to manufacture a narrative around divisions within the TMC.

On Monday, he described reports of a large rebel group within the party as a “fake and fabricated narrative” and alleged that attempts were being made to pressure party members.

“BJP is spreading lies. It’s fake and fabricated narrative. In the meanwhile, blackmailing, coaxing, trying to bribe, threaten, with ED, CBI and with dire consequences with the Police. They don’t have 20 MPs. They are desperate. It has become a prestige issue for Amit Shah,” he wrote on X.

While the viral claim has generated political debate online, there has been no official confirmation from the TMC leadership or any of the leaders named in the circulating list regarding the formation of a separate faction or support for the NDA.