Politics – Mahua Moitra Backs Singhvi Amid Row Over Rebel TMC MPs’ Merger Move

Politics – Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has publicly supported senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi after his sharp remarks regarding the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), which recently came into focus following the decision of a group of rebel Trinamool Congress lawmakers to merge with the Tripura-based political outfit.

Moitra shared Singhvi’s comments on social media platform X on Tuesday, praising his assessment of the situation. Singhvi had questioned the political significance of the NCPI and argued that it could not realistically influence the larger political landscape created by the breakaway faction from the Trinamool Congress. Responding to the remarks, Moitra expressed appreciation for what she described as a candid and accurate observation.

Rebel MPs Submit Merger Letter

The controversy began after 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on June 14 and submitted a formal communication regarding the merger of their faction with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. The move triggered strong reactions from leaders associated with the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, who rejected the legitimacy and political relevance of the development.

The merger announcement has intensified tensions within the party, with senior leaders seeking to reinforce the position that the original Trinamool Congress remains firmly under the leadership of Banerjee and continues to retain its political identity.

Kirti Azad Rejects Claims of Legitimacy

Reacting to the merger effort, Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad criticized the rebel lawmakers and described their submission to the Lok Sabha Speaker as misleading. According to Azad, the official Trinamool Congress continues to be the organisation led by Mamata Banerjee, and any claims suggesting otherwise do not reflect political reality.

Azad said party representatives had also communicated their position to the Speaker, emphasizing that the Trinamool Congress remains united under its established leadership. He maintained that the breakaway group does not represent the party’s official structure or mandate.

Allegations of Internal Differences

The senior TMC leader further alleged that the rebel faction is facing internal disagreements over leadership ambitions and ministerial aspirations. He argued that personal interests, rather than political principles, were driving the actions of the lawmakers involved in the merger.

Azad also questioned the standing of the NCPI, claiming that the party lacks parliamentary representation and does not possess a significant national presence. He argued that merging with a relatively unknown organisation raises concerns about the democratic credibility of the exercise.

NCPI Draws National Attention

Although the Nationalist Citizens Party of India has traditionally maintained a limited presence, the recent developments have brought it into the national spotlight. The Tripura-based party has welcomed the entry of prominent political figures and views the merger as an opportunity to expand its influence beyond its existing base.

Shantanu Dey, the party’s national organising secretary, has expressed optimism about the future of the organisation. He stated that the NCPI aims to strengthen its footprint across the country and work in line with the development-oriented vision promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As the political dispute unfolds, attention is likely to remain focused on the legal, parliamentary and organisational implications of the merger claim, as well as the response from the Trinamool Congress leadership in the coming days