Parliament – Congress Alleges Efforts to Strengthen BJP Numbers Ahead of Session
Parliament – The Congress on Friday launched a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that attempts are being made to increase the Bharatiya Janata Party’s strength in the Lok Sabha before the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The opposition party claimed that recent political developments reflect efforts to secure a larger parliamentary advantage, while insisting that democratic principles must be protected.
Congress Raises Concerns Over Parliamentary Numbers
Congress leader and communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh expressed his concerns through a social media post, accusing the Home Minister of pursuing a strategy aimed at achieving a two-thirds majority in the Lower House. According to Ramesh, such efforts have intensified following recent political setbacks faced by the ruling alliance.
He argued that the National Democratic Alliance had failed to obtain the required numbers during a key parliamentary vote earlier this year. Referring to the outcome, he said the alliance was unable to secure approval for a constitutional amendment proposal linked to delimitation, which was defeated by a substantial margin in Parliament.
Allegations of Targeting Opposition Parties
The Congress leader further alleged that the ruling establishment is attempting to weaken opposition forces by encouraging divisions within rival political parties. He claimed that these developments undermine democratic norms and create uncertainty within the country’s political system.
Ramesh maintained that opposition parties would continue resisting such moves and asserted that efforts to alter the existing political balance would face strong resistance from democratic institutions and political stakeholders.
TMC Faces Growing Internal Turmoil
The remarks came amid a deepening political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). A group of dissident MPs has announced plans to approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, seeking recognition as the legitimate faction of the party.
Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, a Lok Sabha member from Cooch Behar, stated that the group currently enjoys the support of 19 MPs. He confirmed that representatives of the rebel faction would meet the Speaker to present their claim and seek official recognition.
Rebellion Expands Beyond West Bengal Assembly
The internal conflict within the TMC intensified after the party’s disappointing performance in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. The setback was followed by a major split that significantly affected both the party’s organisational structure and legislative presence.
Last week, more than two-thirds of the party’s legislators in the West Bengal Assembly separated from the official legislative unit. A total of 58 out of 80 MLAs joined a breakaway group led by expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. The faction subsequently received recognition as the principal opposition bloc in the state assembly.
Members of the rebel camp have since claimed that additional lawmakers have extended support to their group, further strengthening their position within the state legislature.
Impact Reaches National Politics
The political turbulence has now extended to Parliament as well. Another group of dissident MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has claimed backing from more than 20 Lok Sabha members. Their move has added a new dimension to the ongoing crisis and raised questions about the future leadership and structure of the party at the national level.
As Parliament prepares for its Monsoon Session, the developments within the TMC and the political exchanges between the ruling alliance and opposition parties are expected to remain at the centre of national political discussions.