Lok Sabha Speaker to Hear Both TMC Factions on Rebel MPs' Merger

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to hear both factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after 17 rebel MPs requested recognition as a separate group in the Lok Sabha and announced their merger into the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). According to PTI, the Speaker's office has sent an email to MPs from Mamata Banerjee's faction, inviting them for a meeting. The decision on the matter is expected before the monsoon session of Parliament.

Sources indicate that the Speaker may seek legal advice from the Ministry of Law to ensure the decision withstands judicial scrutiny if challenged in court. On Sunday, 17 of the 20 rebel TMC MPs met the Speaker and submitted a memorandum detailing their demands, including separate seating arrangements in the Lok Sabha and their merger into NCPI.

Constitutional expert PDT Acharya stated that under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, only a political party can decide to merge with another party, not individual MPs. A former Election Commission official also noted that the rebels' merger proposal is not covered under anti-defection or representation laws.

TMC sources claimed that Abhishek Banerjee was given only two hours' notice for the meeting on June 15, while he was attending an ED inquiry. MP Kirti Azad requested a rescheduling on his behalf. Meanwhile, rebel MPs, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have expressed their intent to work with the NDA under PM Narendra Modi's leadership.

NCPI, registered in West Bengal, was founded three years ago by Uttiya Kundu and Sheuli Kundu. The party contested the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections but received minimal votes.

Key Points
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to hear both TMC factions on rebel MPs' demands.
- 17 rebel MPs seek recognition as a separate group and merger into NCPI.
- Legal opinion may be sought to ensure the decision's validity.
- TMC claims Abhishek Banerjee was given insufficient notice for the meeting.
- NCPI, founded in 2020, has limited electoral success so far.