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NEW DELHI: A little-known political outfit that struggled to make an impact in the 2023 Tripura assembly elections has suddenly found itself at the centre of rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC).Dissident MPs on Sunday announced their merger with the lesser-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking a separate seating arrangement in the House, even as TMC parliamentary party leader Abhishek Banerjee urged the Speaker not to accord any recognition to the breakaway faction.The move marks the latest escalation in the political crisis engulfing the Mamata Banerjee-led party after its crushing defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The rebels have also pledged support to the NDA in Parliament.If accepted, the merger would transform NCPI from a little-known regional outfit into a parliamentary bloc of 20 MPs, making it the fourth-largest party in the Lok Sabha and the second-largest constituent within the NDA after BJP.Why are the rebels merging with NCPI?The rebel MPs appear to have chosen the merger route to navigate the anti-defection law, which does not recognise a split within a party but permits a merger when at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators join another party.The dissident camp claims that 20 of the Trinamool Congress’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs have backed the move, comfortably crossing the two-thirds threshold required under the law. The group has also sought a separate seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha.While some rebel leaders continue to favour staking claim to the Trinamool Congress name and symbol in the future, merging with NCPI is being viewed as a legally safer route ahead of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.Who are the 20 rebel MPs?The rebel bloc comprises:1. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar2. Satabdi Roy3. Bapi Haldar4. Sharmila Sarkar5. Sharmila Bandyopadhyay6. Jagadish Barma Basunia7. Asit Kumar Mal8. Arup Chakraborty9. Rachna Banerjee10. Saayoni Ghosh11. Khalilur Rahaman12. Abu Taher Khan13. Yusuf Pathan14. Mitali Bag15. Mala Roy16. Kalipada Soren17. Deepak Adhikari18. June Malia19. Partha Bhowmick20. Sudip BandyopadhyayAccording to rebel MP Arup Chakraborty, first-time MP Saayoni Ghosh is likely to lead the group in Parliament.”Saayoni Ghosh is our leader. Under the leadership of Bengal’s CM, our double-engine government wants to work for the interest of the nation. If BJP asks for our help, we will help them. If we want their help, we will ask for it,” Chakraborty said.What is NCPI?The Nationalist Citizens Party of India is a registered but unrecognised political party whose office is in Howrah, West Bengal. Its president is listed as Sheuli Kundu, an advocate practising at the Calcutta High Court.The party shot into the spotlight after the merger announcement, but its electoral record remains modest.NCPI contested the 2023 Tripura assembly elections under the slogan: “To save your rights, reject political turncoats. Support social workers, not political personalities.”The party fielded candidates in three constituencies, Chawamanu, Ambassa and Kailashahar, after another candidate’s nomination was rejected during scrutiny. Its election symbol was a pen nib.Its best-known candidate, Barjeda Tripura, secured just 536 votes in Chawamanu, narrowly ahead of NOTA’s tally of 500 votes. Speaking to PTI after learning about the merger, the 62-year-old daily wage labourer expressed surprise.”I contested in 2023. What has happened three years later now?” he said.The dramatic contrast between NCPI’s electoral footprint and its potential parliamentary strength has become one of the most striking aspects of the Trinamool split.What are the rebels saying?After meeting the Speaker, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said the group had formally informed the Lok Sabha Secretariat of its decision.”Two-thirds MPs of TMC have given a letter to the Speaker for a separate seating arrangement. We will merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and support the NDA,” she said.Sudip Bandyopadhyay also confirmed that the dissident camp had merged with NCPI.”We are merging with Nationalist Citizens’ Party. Moving forward, we will work for the nation and collaborate with NDA under the leadership of the Prime Minister,” he said.What is TMC saying?The Mamata Banerjee camp has challenged the rebels’ claims and dismissed the merger as politically and legally untenable.Senior TMC leader Sougata Roy ridiculed the decision to join NCPI.”Once you betray the party on whose symbol you were elected, how will you face your constituents? This merger is ridiculous. Who knows NCPI? Can they go to their constituencies and tell people that they are now part of NCPI?” Roy told PTI.He further alleged that the move was backed by the BJP and accused the rebels of abandoning the party for political convenience.”This merger reflects the desperation of the traitors to please their BJP masters,” he said.The TMC has also argued before the Speaker that the Constitution and anti-defection law do not recognise separate factions within an existing political party and has reserved its right to challenge any adverse decision.What is BJP saying?West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh on Sunday said that the decision on whether rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs would be recognised as a separate group rests with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, following reports that the MPs had met him to present their case.Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ghosh said any Member of Parliament has the right to meet the Speaker and submit their views. He said he was not aware of the specific purpose of the meeting or the details of the discussions, but noted that developments were underway within the TMC.”Any MP can go and meet the Speaker and present their case. I don’t know the specific objectives or the details of the conversation, but a lot is indeed going on,” Ghosh said.He added that once a written submission is examined, the Speaker would take an appropriate decision. According to Ghosh, if the MPs are recognised as a separate party or group, they would be entitled to separate seating arrangements in Parliament.”Once a written submission is made and the details are examined, the Speaker will make a decision. If they are recognised as a separate party, they have the right to separate seating; however, everyone indeed wants to leave the TMC,” he said.Commenting on the CID questioning of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Ghosh said Banerjee had appeared before investigating agencies on multiple occasions and continued to receive notices.”He has had to go repeatedly; he has gone before, and now the CID is summoning him, and the ED is also sending notices,” Ghosh said.What happens next?The fate of the merger now rests with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who will have to decide on the rebels’ request for separate recognition and seating arrangements in the House.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 MediaVideosTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ Warnings123PhotostoriesThai love proverb of the day: “When in love, even boiled vegetable broth tastes sweet; when hating…”You need 4 days to recover from an hour of lost sleep: Doctor explains the true cost of sleep deprivation7 Garden mistakes that can clog drains and lead to costly maintenance problems5 uncomfortable truths that can quietly make you successful and happierWorking parents: 7 expert-backed ways to avoid burnoutThink all steel utensils are safe? 5 must do quality checks before buying themThese 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s whyWin your week before Monday 9am: Simple habits that matter”Boys don’t cry” may be hurting our sons more than we realise; 5 ways parents can help their son express emotions without shame6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologist123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshDelhi rain Anil Sharma shares ‘Gadar 3’ update; director working on script, teases film could begin shooting in 2027 Japan fans criticised for cleaning up stadium at FIFA World Cup 2026, they have been doing it for decades Kainchi Dham shocker: Massive protest at hill shrine after 2 drunk cops ‘molest’ local woman, clash with family NEW DELHI: From the stirring notes of Vande Mataram sung by a Slovak folk ensemble to the traditional offering of bread and salt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm cultural welcome in Bratislava as he began the second leg of his European tour.As India’s first Prime Minister to visit Slovakia, PM Modi was greeted with a colourful display of Slovak traditions, folk music and dance performances that showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage.Sharing a video of the welcome ceremony on X, PM Modi highlighted a performance by the Lucnica Ensemble, which sang Vande Mataram during the event.”This comes at a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and recalling its glorious contribution to India’s history and freedom struggle,” he wrote on X.One of the highlights of the welcome was the traditional Slovak custom of offering bread and salt, a centuries-old symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill.”The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish,” PM Modi said in a post on X.In Slovak culture, honoured guests are traditionally welcomed with bread and salt, a gesture that signifies warmth, friendship and respect. According to ANI, bread represents prosperity, sustenance and abundance, while salt symbolises value, protection and enduring friendship.Rooted in Slavic traditions, the custom reflects the importance Slovaks place on welcoming visitors and sharing the blessings of home, community and goodwill.The Prime Minister also shared glimpses of a folk performance by Kopaniciarik from Slovakia’s Myjava region.”Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history,” he said.The Prime Minister also thanked the Indian community in Slovakia for the warm reception he received upon arrival.”Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship,” he said.PM Modi arrived in the Slovak capital on Sunday evening at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. He was received by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and welcomed with a series of cultural performances by local artists.During the visit, he is also scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Fico and meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development and other strategic sectors.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 MediaVideosTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ Warnings123Photostories5 uncomfortable truths that can quietly make you successful and happierWorking parents: 7 expert-backed ways to avoid burnoutThink all steel utensils are safe? 5 must do quality checks before buying themThese 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s whyWin your week before Monday 9am: Simple habits that matter”Boys don’t cry” may be hurting our sons more than we realise; 5 ways parents can help their son express emotions without shame6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistFrom getting emotional while recalling husband Remo’s heart attack to losing 40 kilos: When Remo D’Souza and wife Lizelle spoke about their love story and becoming parents before marriage10 under-15-minute high-protein desi Indian breakfast dishes for summer monthsRekha to Kajol: Best-dressed celebrities at Aamir Khan Productions’ 25th anniversary celebration123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshDelhi rain Jun 15, 2026, 11:20 IST Adhik Maas ends: What changes after June 15 Meet Harish-Chandra: The forgotten Indian mathematician who corrected a Nobel laureate and transformed modern physics 3-year-old girl dies after rape by guest worker near Chennai Another start, another miss: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi falls for 21 against Sri Lanka A US-Iran peace deal lifts markets: Asian stocks soar, dollar slides to June 5 low, oil tumbles & gold jumps 2% Pranav Adani announces scholarships and 200 bicycles for IIM Calcutta campus mobility initiative 5 uncomfortable truths that can quietly make you successful and happier Watch: Flames engulf prominent Ukrainian monastery after fresh Russian strikes in Kyiv; 4 killed, 23 injured 7 expert-backed ways to avoid burnout FCAS opportunity for India? What PM Modi and Macron’s defence push could mean for a sixth-generation fighter Strait Of Hormuz: Lebanon ceasefire, Hormuz reopening, sanctions relief: What the 14-point US-Iran peace deal contains Protests against education minister Dhrmendra Pradhan in Ahmedabad (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Ahead of the NEET-UG re-exam, scheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Monday acknowledged that some candidates were facing issues downloading their admit cards and assured them that the problem would be resolved very soon.Also Read | NEET-UG retest: Centre on war footing to rebuild confidenceThe exam-conducting body also said that so far, as many as four lakh aspirants have downloaded their admit cards.“We are aware that some of you are facing technical glitches or server issues in accessing your admit cards. Our teams have been working towards resolving all these issues. We are there for you and will ensure that very soon, all candidates get their admit cards. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” NTA noted in a post on X.The NEET-UG exam, held for admission to medical programmes, was initially conducted on May 3, with around 23 lakh students appearing for the test. However, it was cancelled days later after it was discovered that the paper had been leaked.The case is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency has so far arrested 13 individuals from different parts of the country.Also Read | NEET fraud: Rackets offer ‘manageable’ exam centres for Rs 1 crore; counselling begins months before examThe NEET paper leak case, along with the controversy surrounding the Online Marking System for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class 12 exam, has triggered nationwide protests seeking resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.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 MediaVideosPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’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 Debate123PhotostoriesThink all steel utensils are safe? 5 must do quality checks before buying themThese 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s whyWin your week before Monday 9am: Simple habits that matter”Boys don’t cry” may be hurting our sons more than we realise; 5 ways parents can help their son express emotions without shame6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistFrom getting emotional while recalling husband Remo’s heart attack to losing 40 kilos: When Remo D’Souza and wife Lizelle spoke about their love story and becoming parents before marriage10 under-15-minute high-protein desi Indian breakfast dishes for summer monthsRekha to Kajol: Best-dressed celebrities at Aamir Khan Productions’ 25th anniversary celebrationWhy Elon Musk calls passing his trillion-dollar wealth to his 14 children a “mistake”: 5 billionaires whose kids won’t inherit their wealthHow Hollywood stars use yoga to stay fit, manage stress, and maintain peak performance123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshDelhi rain ‘Fauzi’ update: Prabhas starrer period war drama targets December 2026 release – Report Noida International Airport begins commercial operations; first IndiGo flight lands at Jewar G7 Summit Protests: Massive Protests Erupt in Geneva Ahead of G7 Summit as 20,000 Demonstrators Clash with Police | World News AP Inter Supplementary Results 2026 expected shortly: BIEAP to release scorecards at bie.ap.gov.in; check steps here Quote of the day by Oliver Tree: “As these seasons keep on changing, life goes on and on and on and on,” remembering the singer who passed away in tragic helicopter crash Short Girl Tall Guy Love Story: “Your height is equal to my ****”: How a woman who was mocked for her short height by almost everybody found love in 6ft tall army officer | Elon Musk claims: ‘SpaceX could hit $1 trillion in revenue by 2030’; far beyond Morgan Stanley’s projection MHT CET PCM Result 2026: Scorecards for engineering aspirants soon at cetcell.mahacet.org Oliver Tree passes away: Ex-girlfriend Melanie Martinez remembers singer as ‘true artist’; Kid Cudi, Bebe Rexha and other stars pay tribute World’s first trillionaire Elon Musk explains why AI will make money useless: ‘Robots will run …’ Trump Birthday Coins: Exclusive Silver and Gold Medallions Priced Up to $12,000 | World News FSSAI targets ‘healthy’, ‘organic’ and ‘zero maida’ claims on food labels | India News Jun 15, 2026, 09:20 IST ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ LEAK sees Doctor Doom take on X-Men, Avengers and Fantastic Four; new clip sparks frenzy – WATCH These 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s why ‘Drugs available’: Murder accused livestreams from Punjab jail; watch ‘Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon’: What Netanyahu told Trump on US-Iran peace deal Fans tweak work schedules, body clock to catch World Cup football magic | India News