West Bengal’s political rupture is set to move deeper into Parliament on Tuesday, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari due to meet 20 Lok Sabha MPs elected on Trinamool Congress tickets as the party presses for their disqualification.
The meeting at Banga Bhavan in New Delhi will take place a day after TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee asked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to expedite a decision on petitions filed against the rebel lawmakers.
TMC presses Om Birla to disqualify 20 rebel MPs
The MPs aligned with the National Citizens Party of India soon after the West Bengal Assembly election results were announced. They have since claimed to be allies of the National Democratic Alliance at the Centre.
The Speaker has not formally recognised their switch to the NCPI. The lawmakers have, however, been allotted separate seating in the Lok Sabha.
Banerjee wrote to Birla on Monday seeking an early disposal of the disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law.
He had earlier met the Speaker with TMC MPs Mahua Moitra and Kalyan Banerjee to press the party’s case against the breakaway group.
No decision has yet been announced by the Speaker’s office.
Suvendu Adhikari-NCPI meeting draws political attention
Adhikari’s meeting with the MPs comes against the backdrop of the TMC’s renewed push for action and the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The official agenda for the talks has not been disclosed.
Sources said the discussions could cover issues concerning West Bengal and coordination among the MPs during the parliamentary session.
The use of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme funds may also be taken up. The talks could explore closer coordination with the West Bengal government over the implementation of projects funded through the scheme.
“There might be discussion on which West Bengal-related issues will be raised by these MPs on the floor of Parliament during the Monsoon Session of the House,” a state BJP leader said.
The Speaker’s eventual ruling will determine whether the 20 lawmakers can retain their seats after breaking with the party on whose tickets they were elected.