Parliament – Speaker to Hear Both Sides in TMC Merger Dispute
Parliament – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to examine submissions from both factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) before taking a final call on a merger plea submitted by a dissident group within the party. Sources indicated on Tuesday that the Speaker will review the arguments presented by all concerned parties and arrive at a decision after completing the hearing process.
Disagreement Over Meeting Notice Intensifies
The latest development comes against the backdrop of growing friction between the Lok Sabha Speaker’s Office and the Trinamool Congress leadership. The disagreement centers on a notice issued to the party’s National General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Abhishek Banerjee, regarding a meeting linked to the ongoing matter.
According to sources within the TMC, an email from the Speaker’s Office was sent to Banerjee on June 15 at around 2 pm. The communication reportedly requested his presence before the Speaker in New Delhi by 4 pm on the same day.
Banerjee Was Appearing Before ED
Party sources stated that Banerjee was attending questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) when the email arrived. During such proceedings, he reportedly did not have access to his mobile phone or personal email account, making it difficult for him to receive or respond to the message immediately.
The short interval between the communication and the proposed meeting has become a key point of contention. TMC leaders maintain that Banerjee was occupied with official investigative proceedings and was therefore unable to comply with the notice within the stipulated timeframe.
Kirti Azad Communicated Party’s Position
Sources further said that the Speaker’s Office contacted TMC MP Kirti Azad by telephone shortly after the email was sent. The call was reportedly intended to inform the party about the scheduled interaction with Banerjee.
Following the communication, Azad personally visited the Speaker’s Office to explain the situation. He informed officials that Banerjee was cooperating with government investigators and was engaged in an ongoing ED interrogation session at the time.
According to party sources, Azad conveyed that attending the proposed 4 pm meeting would not be possible under those circumstances. He also requested that an alternative date and time be provided so that Banerjee could participate without any scheduling conflict.
Assurance of Cooperation
During his interaction with officials, Azad reportedly reiterated that Banerjee was willing to cooperate with the parliamentary process. The party emphasized that there was no intention to avoid the proceedings and sought a reasonable opportunity for Banerjee to present his position before the Speaker.
The issue has drawn significant political attention as it coincides with an internal dispute within the Trinamool Congress involving a rebel faction seeking recognition for a proposed merger arrangement.
Merger Request Under Examination
The merger plea submitted by the dissident group has added a fresh layer of political and legal complexity to the situation. While the rebel camp is pushing for consideration of its request, the TMC leadership is contesting the move and working to safeguard its organizational position.
With competing claims now before parliamentary authorities, the Speaker’s decision is expected to play an important role in determining the next phase of the dispute. For now, attention remains focused on the hearing process and the responses that will be submitted by both sides before any final determination is made.