June 14, 2026

NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urging him to “decline any recognition to separate faction of TMC”.Banerjee said reports suggesting that a group of TMC MPs may seek recognition as an independent bloc were legally untenable. He asserted that the TMC remains a “single, indivisible political party” and argued that no member or group of members can create a parallel faction and claim separate recognition within the House.”The AITC is a single, indivisible political party. The legislative party in the Lok Sabha derives its very existence from, and remains an emanation of, the political party. There is in law only one AITC, one Leader of the Party in the House, and one Whip, all of whom hold office by authority of the political party and its competent organisational authority. No member or set of members can, by their own volition, carve out a parallel ‘group’ or ‘faction’ of the same party and claim independent recognition within the House,” he said in the letter.This comes amid claims by rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar that the dissident camp’s strength has risen to 22 MPs in the 28-member TMC contingent in the Lok Sabha.Dissident MPs have reportedly sought recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc, while several rebel lawmakers have also held meetings with senior BJP leaders in New Delhi, intensifying the political crisis facing Mamata Banerjee’s party.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran Conflict123PhotostoriesThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urging him to “decline any recognition to separate faction of TMC”.Banerjee said reports suggesting that a group of TMC MPs may seek recognition as an independent bloc were legally untenable. He asserted that the TMC remains a “single, indivisible political party” and argued that no member or group of members can create a parallel faction and claim separate recognition within the House.”The AITC is a single, indivisible political party. The legislative party in the Lok Sabha derives its very existence from, and remains an emanation of, the political party. There is in law only one AITC, one Leader of the Party in the House, and one Whip, all of whom hold office by authority of the political party and its competent organisational authority. No member or set of members can, by their own volition, carve out a parallel ‘group’ or ‘faction’ of the same party and claim independent recognition within the House,” he said in the letter.This comes amid claims by rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar that the dissident camp’s strength has risen to 22 MPs in the 28-member TMC contingent in the Lok Sabha.Dissident MPs have reportedly sought recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc, while several rebel lawmakers have also held meetings with senior BJP leaders in New Delhi, intensifying the political crisis facing Mamata Banerjee’s party.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran Conflict123PhotostoriesThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result


'Decline any recognition to separate faction of TMC': Abhishek Banerjee writes to Lok Sabha Speaker amid rebellion

NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urging him to “decline any recognition to separate faction of TMC”.Banerjee said reports suggesting that a group of TMC MPs may seek recognition as an independent bloc were legally untenable. He asserted that the TMC remains a “single, indivisible political party” and argued that no member or group of members can create a parallel faction and claim separate recognition within the House.“The AITC is a single, indivisible political party. The legislative party in the Lok Sabha derives its very existence from, and remains an emanation of, the political party. There is in law only one AITC, one Leader of the Party in the House, and one Whip, all of whom hold office by authority of the political party and its competent organisational authority. No member or set of members can, by their own volition, carve out a parallel ‘group’ or ‘faction’ of the same party and claim independent recognition within the House,” he said in the letter.This comes amid claims by rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar that the dissident camp’s strength has risen to 22 MPs in the 28-member TMC contingent in the Lok Sabha.Dissident MPs have reportedly sought recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc, while several rebel lawmakers have also held meetings with senior BJP leaders in New Delhi, intensifying the political crisis facing Mamata Banerjee’s party.



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(Image source: ANI) NEW DELHI: A hug, a handshake, and a pitch worth .5 billion. That was the texture of Sunday in Nice, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly threw open ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ — and where, hours earlier, PM Modi had quietly worked a room full of the people who write the cheques. The message to the money was unsubtle: India is open, and it’s selling solutions, not buying them.Before the cameras rolled at the conclave, the PM sat down with global venture capitalists and Indian entrepreneurs — OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal, Ronnie Screwvala and a clutch of international investors among them.Commerce minister Piyush Goyal and principal scientific adviser Ajay Kumar Sood were in the room. “India has emerged not as a consumer of solutions but as a contributor to solutions in the world. Innovation is in India’s DNA,” Modi told the gathering, adding that the country was “innovating for a sustainable future; India is innovating for the world.”The numbers gave the rhetoric teeth. The three-day event (June 14-16) has assembled 120 deep-tech startups — culled from over 3,000 applicants, collectively sitting on 1,500-plus patents and .5 billion in raised capital — alongside 15 higher education institutions, the premier IITs included, and more than 500 investors and global CEOs. Organisers say nearly million in fresh commitments is already finalised or close to it.Macron, for his part, came bearing intent rather than pleasantries. “India is a country of innovation. India, France have a true partnership in critical sectors like AI and climate change,” he said, before nudging the relationship into new territory: there was “scope to expand bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including in the area of Small Modular Reactors.”Modi framed the chemistry in his own register. “Different countries trade with each other and strike strategic partnerships. But there are few relations driven by shared vision, besides shared interests. India-France is one such relationship,” he said — listing “connection, conviction, innovation, inspiration and shared vision” as its load-bearing pillars.The Nice leg also marks the first summit between the two leaders since ties were elevated to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ in February. From here, Modi heads to Slovakia, then back for the G7 in Evian, before closing out at VivaTech in Paris — where India will pitch up with the show’s largest national pavilion.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran Conflict123PhotostoriesThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

(Image source: ANI) NEW DELHI: A hug, a handshake, and a pitch worth $1.5 billion. That was the texture of Sunday in Nice, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly threw open ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ — and where, hours earlier, PM Modi had quietly worked a room full of the people who write the cheques. The message to the money was unsubtle: India is open, and it’s selling solutions, not buying them.Before the cameras rolled at the conclave, the PM sat down with global venture capitalists and Indian entrepreneurs — OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal, Ronnie Screwvala and a clutch of international investors among them.Commerce minister Piyush Goyal and principal scientific adviser Ajay Kumar Sood were in the room. “India has emerged not as a consumer of solutions but as a contributor to solutions in the world. Innovation is in India’s DNA,” Modi told the gathering, adding that the country was “innovating for a sustainable future; India is innovating for the world.”The numbers gave the rhetoric teeth. The three-day event (June 14-16) has assembled 120 deep-tech startups — culled from over 3,000 applicants, collectively sitting on 1,500-plus patents and $1.5 billion in raised capital — alongside 15 higher education institutions, the premier IITs included, and more than 500 investors and global CEOs. Organisers say nearly $20 million in fresh commitments is already finalised or close to it.Macron, for his part, came bearing intent rather than pleasantries. “India is a country of innovation. India, France have a true partnership in critical sectors like AI and climate change,” he said, before nudging the relationship into new territory: there was “scope to expand bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including in the area of Small Modular Reactors.”Modi framed the chemistry in his own register. “Different countries trade with each other and strike strategic partnerships. But there are few relations driven by shared vision, besides shared interests. India-France is one such relationship,” he said — listing “connection, conviction, innovation, inspiration and shared vision” as its load-bearing pillars.The Nice leg also marks the first summit between the two leaders since ties were elevated to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ in February. From here, Modi heads to Slovakia, then back for the G7 in Evian, before closing out at VivaTech in Paris — where India will pitch up with the show’s largest national pavilion.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran Conflict123PhotostoriesThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs in Lok Sabha are set to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party and would extend their support to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), said TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar on Sunday. This came after hours long meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi.”We, the twenty MPs elected from the AITC, met the Speaker and submitted a letter requesting to sit separately; these twenty MPs constitute more than two-thirds of our total strength. We are merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party. Moving forward, we will work for the nation and collaborate with the NDA under the leadership of the Prime Minister,” said rebel TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.Another rebel TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay indicated that the faction would take legal route for the name TMC. “We have joined the Nationalist Citizens’ Party. This is a political party. It is a recognised regional party. We have merged with it… It will be decided in the court which one the real TMC is,” he said. Earlier, Abhishek Banerjee wrote to Birla, urging him not to recognise any separate faction of the party.”The AITC is a single, indivisible political party. The legislative party in the Lok Sabha derives its very existence from, and remains an emanation of, the political party. There is in law only one AITC, one Leader of the Party in the House, and one Whip, all of whom hold office by authority of the political party and its competent organisational authority. No member or set of members can, by their own volition, carve out a parallel ‘group’ or ‘faction’ of the same party and claim independent recognition within the House,” he said in the letter.The merger, if approved by the Speaker, would be a major setback to the TMC, potentially reducing its strength in the Lok Sabha to just 20 MPs and reshaping the opposition’s parliamentary arithmetic. It would also mark the most significant split in the party’s parliamentary wing since Mamata Banerjee founded the Trinamool Congress in 1998.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ WarningsMK Stalin Questions CM Vijay’s Delhi Visit, Accuses Him Of Applying Double Standards In BJP DebatePM Modi, Macron Launch Bharat Innovates 2026 In Nice, Deepen India-France Innovation Partnership’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC Rebellion123PhotostoriesThe protein craze: Are high-protein diets and supplements putting your liver at risk?Turning 35? 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What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else mattered123Hot PicksIndia vs PakistanUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

NEW DELHI: Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs in Lok Sabha are set to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party and would extend their support to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), said TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar on Sunday. This came after hours long meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi.”We, the twenty MPs elected from the AITC, met the Speaker and submitted a letter requesting to sit separately; these twenty MPs constitute more than two-thirds of our total strength. We are merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party. Moving forward, we will work for the nation and collaborate with the NDA under the leadership of the Prime Minister,” said rebel TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.Another rebel TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay indicated that the faction would take legal route for the name TMC. “We have joined the Nationalist Citizens’ Party. This is a political party. It is a recognised regional party. We have merged with it… It will be decided in the court which one the real TMC is,” he said. Earlier, Abhishek Banerjee wrote to Birla, urging him not to recognise any separate faction of the party.”The AITC is a single, indivisible political party. The legislative party in the Lok Sabha derives its very existence from, and remains an emanation of, the political party. There is in law only one AITC, one Leader of the Party in the House, and one Whip, all of whom hold office by authority of the political party and its competent organisational authority. No member or set of members can, by their own volition, carve out a parallel ‘group’ or ‘faction’ of the same party and claim independent recognition within the House,” he said in the letter.The merger, if approved by the Speaker, would be a major setback to the TMC, potentially reducing its strength in the Lok Sabha to just 20 MPs and reshaping the opposition’s parliamentary arithmetic. It would also mark the most significant split in the party’s parliamentary wing since Mamata Banerjee founded the Trinamool Congress in 1998.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ WarningsMK Stalin Questions CM Vijay’s Delhi Visit, Accuses Him Of Applying Double Standards In BJP DebatePM Modi, Macron Launch Bharat Innovates 2026 In Nice, Deepen India-France Innovation Partnership’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC Rebellion123PhotostoriesThe protein craze: Are high-protein diets and supplements putting your liver at risk?Turning 35? These 6 health tests deserve a place on your checklistFrom Deepika Padukone to Priyanka Chopra: Best hair oils for hair growth inspired by Bollywood actresses6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else mattered123Hot PicksIndia vs PakistanUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna 0
. NEW DELHI: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of practising politics in the name of religion, undermining democratic institutions and using central agencies against political opponents. Speaking at an award ceremony in Jaipur, the senior Congress leader said the Constitution does not permit politics based on religion and claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would have banned such a party if she were in power today.Targeting the BJP’s ideological approach, Gehlot alleged that the party was mobilising people in the name of Hindutva for electoral gains and was straying from the constitutional principle of equal rights for all faiths.”The Constitution gives equal rights to all religions. Religion should not be used as a political tool,” he said.Gehlot also took aim at the Election Commission, alleging that it was functioning as an agent of the BJP. He further claimed that democratic institutions, including the judiciary, were under pressure and accused the Centre of using agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Income Tax Department to target political rivals.The Congress veteran alleged that the BJP was weakening democratic institutions and voting rights, warning that such actions would disproportionately affect poorer sections of society.Escalating his criticism, Gehlot described the ideological positions of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as dangerous. He also accused the ruling party of selectively invoking national icons for political purposes.”The BJP invokes leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for political purposes while ignoring their values,” he said.Gehlot further questioned the BJP’s commitment to inclusivity, pointing to the absence of Muslim BJP MPs in the Lok Sabha. He claimed that senior leaders such as Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Hussain had been sidelined within the party.Looking ahead to national politics, Gehlot said Indian politics should evolve into a direct contest between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged regional parties to rally behind Gandhi, saying he was effectively raising public concerns both inside and outside Parliament.The former chief minister also criticised the BJP government in Rajasthan, alleging a decline in governance and claiming that people across the state were facing water and electricity-related problems without an adequate administrative response.Calling on younger generations to participate in public life, Gehlot urged youth to enter politics and play an active role in protecting democratic values.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMK Stalin Questions CM Vijay’s Delhi Visit, Accuses Him Of Applying Double Standards In BJP DebatePM Modi, Macron Launch Bharat Innovates 2026 In Nice, Deepen India-France Innovation Partnership’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? 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. NEW DELHI: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of practising politics in the name of religion, undermining democratic institutions and using central agencies against political opponents. Speaking at an award ceremony in Jaipur, the senior Congress leader said the Constitution does not permit politics based on religion and claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would have banned such a party if she were in power today.Targeting the BJP’s ideological approach, Gehlot alleged that the party was mobilising people in the name of Hindutva for electoral gains and was straying from the constitutional principle of equal rights for all faiths.”The Constitution gives equal rights to all religions. Religion should not be used as a political tool,” he said.Gehlot also took aim at the Election Commission, alleging that it was functioning as an agent of the BJP. He further claimed that democratic institutions, including the judiciary, were under pressure and accused the Centre of using agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Income Tax Department to target political rivals.The Congress veteran alleged that the BJP was weakening democratic institutions and voting rights, warning that such actions would disproportionately affect poorer sections of society.Escalating his criticism, Gehlot described the ideological positions of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as dangerous. He also accused the ruling party of selectively invoking national icons for political purposes.”The BJP invokes leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for political purposes while ignoring their values,” he said.Gehlot further questioned the BJP’s commitment to inclusivity, pointing to the absence of Muslim BJP MPs in the Lok Sabha. He claimed that senior leaders such as Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Hussain had been sidelined within the party.Looking ahead to national politics, Gehlot said Indian politics should evolve into a direct contest between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged regional parties to rally behind Gandhi, saying he was effectively raising public concerns both inside and outside Parliament.The former chief minister also criticised the BJP government in Rajasthan, alleging a decline in governance and claiming that people across the state were facing water and electricity-related problems without an adequate administrative response.Calling on younger generations to participate in public life, Gehlot urged youth to enter politics and play an active role in protecting democratic values.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMK Stalin Questions CM Vijay’s Delhi Visit, Accuses Him Of Applying Double Standards In BJP DebatePM Modi, Macron Launch Bharat Innovates 2026 In Nice, Deepen India-France Innovation Partnership’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel Killed123PhotostoriesTurning 35? These 6 health tests deserve a place on your checklistFrom Deepika Padukone to Priyanka Chopra: Best hair oils for hair growth inspired by Bollywood actresses6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot them123Hot PicksIndia vs PakistanUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

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