TMC Faces Another Resignation: Third Rajya Sabha MP Quits in Four Days

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, continues to face internal turmoil. On Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the party, becoming the third MP to quit in the past four days. Earlier, on June 10, Sushmita Dev resigned, and on June 8, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy left both his Rajya Sabha membership and the party.

The TMC has witnessed significant defections recently. Out of its 28 Lok Sabha MPs, 20 have decided to support the NDA government, leaving Mamata Banerjee with only 8 MPs in the Lok Sabha. In the Rajya Sabha, 3 out of 13 MPs have resigned, reducing the party's strength to 10 members. Additionally, 58 out of 80 TMC MLAs have formed a separate group and have chosen Ritabrata Banerjee as their leader. These MLAs have submitted a letter to the Speaker, requesting Ritabrata's recognition as the Leader of the Opposition.

Speaking to the media after his resignation, Prakash Chik Baraik stated, "The people of West Bengal had decided in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the party formed the government there. In my constituency, we could not win a single seat. Considering this mandate, I felt it was not right to continue in my position. Therefore, I resigned from both my post and the party. Time will reveal what happens next."

The TMC leadership, including Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, has been making efforts to address the crisis. On June 10, Abhishek Banerjee met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, while Mamata Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi on June 9.

Key Points
- Prakash Chik Baraik resigned as a Rajya Sabha MP on June 15, marking the third resignation in four days.
- TMC now has 8 Lok Sabha MPs and 10 Rajya Sabha MPs remaining.
- 58 TMC MLAs have formed a separate group, led by Ritabrata Banerjee.
- Prakash Chik Baraik cited poor electoral performance as a reason for his resignation.
- Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee are attempting to manage the crisis.