Politics – Fresh Resignation Deepens Trinamool Congress Leadership Crisis
Politics – The Trinamool Congress faced another political setback on Thursday after Rajya Sabha member Prakash Chik Baraik stepped down from the Upper House. His resignation marks the third departure of a TMC parliamentarian within a span of seven days, raising fresh questions about internal stability within the party.
According to sources familiar with the development, Baraik met Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and formally submitted his resignation. Following his exit, the party’s representation in the Rajya Sabha has been reduced to 10 members.
Resignation Submitted With Immediate Effect
In the letter submitted to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Baraik stated that he was relinquishing his membership with immediate effect. He also expressed gratitude to the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and parliamentary staff for their support and cooperation during his tenure in the Upper House.
His departure adds to a growing list of recent resignations that have affected the party’s parliamentary strength.
Remarks After Stepping Down
Speaking to journalists after tendering his resignation, Baraik dismissed allegations that his decision had been influenced by pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said the move was taken after reflecting on the public mandate in West Bengal.
The former MP further stated that he would follow the guidance of Suvendu Adhikari in the coming days, while maintaining that no external pressure had influenced his decision.
Rebel Group Claims Growing Support
Political sources indicate that challenges for the Mamata Banerjee-led party may continue to grow. A dissident faction within the party is reportedly preparing to submit a representation to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The document is expected to carry the signatures of nearly 20 MPs.
Members associated with the rebel camp claim they have secured support from more than 20 Lok Sabha parliamentarians. Among those reportedly backing the group are MPs Saayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy.
Sources also suggest that several other lawmakers have aligned themselves with the dissident bloc. The names being mentioned include Abu Taher, Asit Mal, Arup Chakraborty, Kalipada Soren, Jagadish Basunia, Prasun Banerjee, Sharmila Sarkar, Rachana Banerjee, Satabdi Roy, Bapi Haldar and Deepak Adhikari.
Push for Recognition as the Original Party
Reports indicate that the rebel faction is exploring the possibility of staking claim to being the legitimate Trinamool Congress group. Political observers note that the strategy appears similar to developments previously witnessed within the West Bengal Assembly.
At present, the party holds 28 seats in the Lok Sabha, although one seat remains vacant following the death of a sitting member.
Baraik’s Parliamentary Background
A prominent tribal leader from West Bengal, Baraik had been serving on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. He was also a member of the Consultative Committee on Tribal Affairs during his tenure as a parliamentarian.
His resignation comes amid a period of considerable political turbulence for the party at both the parliamentary and state levels.
Series of High-Profile Exits
The latest development follows the resignation of Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray earlier this week. After stepping down from Parliament, Ray also announced his departure from the Trinamool Congress, citing disagreements with the party leadership.
A day later, Rajya Sabha member Sushmita Dev resigned from both Parliament and the party. Her subsequent meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi led to speculation regarding her future political plans.
With Baraik’s departure, the party has now witnessed the exit of three Rajya Sabha members within a single week.
Assembly Developments Add to Pressure
The challenges extend beyond Parliament. Last week, a significant section of the party’s legislators in the West Bengal Assembly reportedly broke away from the official legislative unit. Sources said 58 of the party’s 80 MLAs joined the rebel camp, which later received recognition as the principal Opposition grouping under expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee.
Members of the dissident faction have since claimed that their strength has continued to increase, adding another dimension to the ongoing political developments within the state.