VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Sneha and Prasanna meet Chief Minister Vijay; actress shares emotional note on her ‘GOAT’ co-star’s journey Self-taught woman builds a miniature city masterpiece from 60 kg of chocolate inspired by an ancient Chinese painting | America’s biggest bank may spend $20 billion on acquisition, but CEO Jamie Dimon makes it clear: Don’t want to hear about merger as … Alaska’s rivers are turning rust-orange and scientists say the cause has been frozen for thousands of years | World News NEW DELHI: The rebel group of parliamentarians in the Trinamool Congress is believed to have secured the support of 19 MPs — the two-thirds of the party’s parliamentary strength required to form a separate faction.Yusuf Pathan, Sayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy are among the MPs who have signed the rebel list, pushing the party towards a vertical split.Trinamool Congress is staring at what could become the biggest rupture in its 28-year history. Just weeks after suffering a bruising defeat in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee’s party now finds itself battling a full-fledged internal uprising that threatens not only its influence in the state but could also hand the ruling NDA an easier run in Parliament.This comes as Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claimed that a large section of TMC MPs are prepared to part ways with Mamata Banerjee. Kakoli, who resigned from the party, has emerged as the face of the parliamentary rebellion.The rebels insist they are not planning to formally join the BJP. “We will not join BJP. We will support NDA,” said Ghosh Dastidar.A letter carrying the signatures of rebel MPs was reportedly submitted to the Speaker’s office, although no formal acknowledgement has yet been made public.The party had earlier faced a rebellion by its MLAs, with expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee stating that 58 TMC legislators have been given recognition in the Assembly as the opposition group.Meanwhile, TMC MP Mahua Moitra slammed the rebel faction, terming them “traitors”, and said that even if they get two-thirds of the MPs, “which they have not”, the only option “is to merge with BJP along with two-thirds of the political party”.She said in a post on X that the matter has already been settled by a court verdict.”Even if traitors get 19 MPs (2/3), which they have not, the only option is to merge with BJP along with 2/3 of the political party. Bhupinder Yadav and the Lok Sabha Speaker cannot create a separate political party or faction. A five-judge bench in Subhash Desai vs Principal Secretary, Governor of Maharashtra (2023), settled this,” she said.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 MediaVideosAfter Weeks In Captivity, 14 Freed In Manipur, Search Intensifies For Six Missing MenSushmita Dev Quits TMC & Rajya Sabha, Delivering Fresh Blow To Mamata Banerjee As TMC Crisis DeepensParaquat Debate: Why Is India Still Allowing A Herbicide Banned In 74 Countries?Narendra Modi Overtakes Jawaharlal Nehru As India’s Longest-Serving Democratically Elected PMPOK Protests, Detentions & Killings Vs Zojila Tunnel: Two Very Different Stories Across KashmirTMC Faces Fresh Rebellion As MPs Cozy Up To NDA, Shatrughan Sinha’s Silence Raises QuestionsDelhi Races Against Monsoon: 70% Drain Desilting Completed, June 15 Deadline SetFlying Could Cost More As Government-Backed ATF Price Hike Raises Airline Operating CostsIndus Waters Treaty In Abeyance: Centre Says Pakistan Won’t Get ‘A Single Drop’ Of WaterMamata Banerjee’s Rare Meeting With Sonia Gandhi Sparks Speculation Of Opposition Realignment123PhotostoriesSleeping enough but still tired? 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Full breakdown What makes King Lynn’s Red Register so unique: A UNESCO-recognised book that preserves medieval England’s hidden history | World News PM Modi eats Jhalmuri NEW DELHI: Prime Narendra Modi on Wednesday ate Jhalmuri served by West Bengal chief minister at the NDA meeting in New Delhi.The PM shared a video on social media, saying, “Sharing Jhalmuri with fellow NDA leaders at the NDA meeting today.” In the clip, PM can be seen enjoying and laughing while tasting the Jhalmuri. The happened NDA’s meeting was held as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 12 years in office, bringing together chief ministers, deputy chief ministers and senior leaders from all 22 NDA-ruled states and Union Territories. PM Modi is chaired the meeting, which was also being attended by senior union ministers, including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, along with key alliance leaders.The conclave also marks PM Modi surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record to become India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister in consecutive terms.Political significance of jhalmuriJhalmuri, a popular Bengali street snack made with puffed rice, mustard oil, spices and vegetables, became an unlikely political symbol in West Bengal’s election campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stop at a jhalmuri stall in Jhargram before polls was projected by the BJP as an attempt to connect with local culture and voters, with the Prime Minister later using the snack as a metaphor for the political “spice” his campaign had added to the contest.The Jhalmuri then became a part ofvictory celebration too as BJP defeated TMC in the state with Suvendu Adhikari becoming the chief minister. Meanwhile, as BJP marks its rule in West Bengal, TMC is grappling with one of the biggest internal crises, marked by a rebellion by several MLAs and MPs, a signature-forgery controversy, the dissolution of the party’s organisational committees, and high-profile resignations.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 MediaVideosAfter Weeks In Captivity, 14 Freed In Manipur, Search Intensifies For Six Missing MenSushmita Dev Quits TMC & Rajya Sabha, Delivering Fresh Blow To Mamata Banerjee As TMC Crisis DeepensParaquat Debate: Why Is India Still Allowing A Herbicide Banned In 74 Countries?Narendra Modi Overtakes Jawaharlal Nehru As India’s Longest-Serving Democratically Elected PMPOK Protests, Detentions & Killings Vs Zojila Tunnel: Two Very Different Stories Across KashmirTMC Faces Fresh Rebellion As MPs Cozy Up To NDA, Shatrughan Sinha’s Silence Raises QuestionsDelhi Races Against Monsoon: 70% Drain Desilting Completed, June 15 Deadline SetFlying Could Cost More As Government-Backed ATF Price Hike Raises Airline Operating CostsIndus Waters Treaty In Abeyance: Centre Says Pakistan Won’t Get ‘A Single Drop’ Of WaterMamata Banerjee’s Rare Meeting With Sonia Gandhi Sparks Speculation Of Opposition Realignment123PhotostoriesSleeping enough but still tired? These vitamin deficiencies could explain whyMark Zuckerberg’s $300 million superyacht Launchpad: Why everyone is talking about the ‘big boat’Leaves turning chalky white: Here’s the reason behind it and how to fix itForget the royals, Mahira Khan’s shimmering desi moment at King Charles’ charity dinner made her look like the main event and not a guestAll about Knox and Vivienne: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s youngest 17-year-old twins7 budget-friendly localities in Pune for rent in 2026: Affordable areas with strong connectivityFatty Liver cases are rising: Can weight loss, healthy eating, and simple lifestyle changes reverse the damage?From Rusty Nail to White Lady: 10 cocktails and the stories behind themThe ancient Persian beauty guide: 5 Iranian beauty remedies that still deliver results6 foods Navy officers eat at sea more often than others123Hot PicksSourth Africa ShootingBharathirajaDelhi hotel fireAshok MuralidaranFIFA World Cup ScheduleKarnataka Trader NewsHector PennKerala Plus One ResultTNEA Random NumberTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireChennai TNSTC BusMeerut Conversion CaseBareilly NewsFilmmaker Bharathiraja DeathKarnataka Murder Ahmedabad Metro expansion: Cabinet approves Rs 2,169-crore airport corridor HP TET 2026 admit cards released at hpbose.org; over 24,000 candidates to appear on June 13 and 14 Raveena Tandon’s ‘Mohra’ reunion moment with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty steals spotlight ahead of ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ trailer launch Lepakshi temple ceiling paintings: 500-year-old murals that continue to astonish us After Rs 370 biryani remark, another comment about male cadavers’ private parts on Pranit More show triggers backlash Russia on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record to become India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that 250 million people had been pulled out of poverty during his ⁠rule.”During the rule of Modi, 250 million ⁠people have been pulled out of poverty,” Kremlin spokesman Peskov told reporters. “This is a very important indicator for India.” Watch Narendra Modi Overtakes Jawaharlal Nehru As India’s Longest-Serving Democratically Elected PM”It is a country that has become one of the world’s leading economic powers with ‌the fastest rates of economic growth and development. And, most importantly for us, a ⁠country with which we have partnership relations,” Peskov said.Earlier in the day, Italian Prime Minsiter Giorgia Meloni also congratulated PM Modi and recalled his recent visit to Italy, during which the two leaders held bilateral talks and launched a new framework for cooperation.”Congratulations to Narendra Modi who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India,” Meloni wrote.”It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples,” she added.On June 10, 2026, Narendra Modi entered the record books by becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of the country, serving the nation continuously for 4,399 days. This is one more than what the country’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru had achieved during his lifetime.Nehru had an unbroken tenure of 4,398 days after leading Congress to victories in the country’s first three general elections.Nehru, however, continues to hold the record as India’s longest-serving Prime Minister overall, having remained in office from Independence in 1947 until his death in 1964.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 MediaVideosAfter Weeks In Captivity, 14 Freed In Manipur, Search Intensifies For Six Missing MenSushmita Dev Quits TMC & Rajya Sabha, Delivering Fresh Blow To Mamata Banerjee As TMC Crisis DeepensParaquat Debate: Why Is India Still Allowing A Herbicide Banned In 74 Countries?Narendra Modi Overtakes Jawaharlal Nehru As India’s Longest-Serving Democratically Elected PMPOK Protests, Detentions & Killings Vs Zojila Tunnel: Two Very Different Stories Across KashmirTMC Faces Fresh Rebellion As MPs Cozy Up To NDA, Shatrughan Sinha’s Silence Raises QuestionsDelhi Races Against Monsoon: 70% Drain Desilting Completed, June 15 Deadline SetFlying Could Cost More As Government-Backed ATF Price Hike Raises Airline Operating CostsIndus Waters Treaty In Abeyance: Centre Says Pakistan Won’t Get ‘A Single Drop’ Of WaterMamata Banerjee’s Rare Meeting With Sonia Gandhi Sparks Speculation Of Opposition Realignment123PhotostoriesSleeping enough but still tired? These vitamin deficiencies could explain whyMark Zuckerberg’s $300 million superyacht Launchpad: Why everyone is talking about the ‘big boat’Leaves turning chalky white: Here’s the reason behind it and how to fix itForget the royals, Mahira Khan’s shimmering desi moment at King Charles’ charity dinner made her look like the main event and not a guestAll about Knox and Vivienne: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s youngest 17-year-old twins7 budget-friendly localities in Pune for rent in 2026: Affordable areas with strong connectivityFatty Liver cases are rising: Can weight loss, healthy eating, and simple lifestyle changes reverse the damage?From Rusty Nail to White Lady: 10 cocktails and the stories behind themThe ancient Persian beauty guide: 5 Iranian beauty remedies that still deliver results6 foods Navy officers eat at sea more often than others123Hot PicksSourth Africa ShootingBharathirajaDelhi hotel fireAshok MuralidaranFIFA World Cup ScheduleKarnataka Trader NewsHector PennKerala Plus One ResultTNEA Random NumberTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireChennai TNSTC BusMeerut Conversion CaseBareilly NewsFilmmaker Bharathiraja DeathKarnataka Murder Stock market today: Which are top 10 gainers and losers on NSE & BSE on June 10? Check list BSF Constable Tradesman 2025 result declared at bsf.gov.in, 1.81 lakh shortlisted for second phase written test: Download PDF here Madhoo recalls Sridevi meeting, says ‘I was and still am Sriji’s biggest fan’ Indian Cobra Facts: 7 facts about the Indian cobra that explain why it’s so misunderstood 2019 Easter bombings: Sri Lanka says ex-spy chief ‘directed’ attack killed 279 77 headless skeletons unearthed in Europe’s most mysterious Neolithic burial site in Slovakia | World News Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire: Owner and Accountant Sent to Judicial Custody Amid Investigation | India News QS top-20 UNSW, top-100 Bristol among four foreign universities cleared to open India campuses Exclusive: Here’s when and where will Bharathiraja’s final rites be held; Tamil film industry cancels all shoots on June 11 Fun Activities For Parents And Children: 7 fun activities parents can do with children that they’ll cherish forever Pakistan army Mi-17 helicopter crashes near Muzaffarabad, crew killed NEW DELHI: Dismissing speculation over the possibility of Trinamool Congress merging with Congress as nothing but rumour mongering, those aware of the matters discussed at the meeting between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee have made it clear that there was no discussion on the issue.”The issue of merger of TMC with Congress and all other speculation around this is all rumours and incorrect. No such thing was discussed,” highly placed sources from TMC aware of matters discussed at the meeting told TOI. Watch Mamata Banerjee’s Rare Meeting With Sonia Gandhi Sparks Speculation Of Opposition RealignmentThe meeting between Gandhi and Banerjee at 10 Janpath was long and lasted for nearly one and half hours. The two discussed developments in West Bengal and how the TMC and Congress can coordinate and work together to strengthen their presence in the state as INDIA bloc allies to counter the BJP which came to power ousting the three term Mamata Banerjee led govt there.The two leaders also discussed the 2029 Lok Sabha polls and how they could coordinate on strengthening the INDIA bloc to take on the BJP in the general elections three years from now.However, given the crisis that has hit the TMC since it lost the elections in West Bengal and the way it is cosying up to Congress, a coming together could be a last resort of survival for the Banerjee outfit.Abhishek Banerjee’s meeting on Wednesday with Rahul Gandhi gains significance as it comes at a time when the TMC is grappling with its worst crisis as it is battling rebellion from its own MPs after a split in the party’s legislature wing in the state.TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee had met Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi at 10 Janpath on Tuesday in what was seen as Banerjee’s attempt to further build on efforts to rally support as her party faces its worst crisis. During the INDIA bloc meeting too on Monday, visuals of Sonia and Banerjee hugging each other and sharing a warm interaction were shared by Congress. Banerjee had urged all the constituents to forget the past and stand united.While no details of the meeting were shared by either party, sources said Banerjee went into the meeting keen to share with Sonia the TMC’s challenges during elections, her views on the future strategy for West Bengal and ways to strengthen the INDIA alliance and opposition unity. These issues figured in the discussions, sources said. At the INDIA bloc meet on Monday, Banerjee has urged the opposition to forget the past and stand united. In an about turn from her past hostility, Banerjee had said at the meet that the Congress should take the lead in the opposition’s fight against the BJP.Meanwhile, in another setback, TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has resigned from the Upper House and party. She is the second RS MP to quit. On Monday, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy had resigned from the Upper House and TMC after levelling allegations against the party.A former Congress leader who had joined the TMC a few years ago, Dev, met Rajya Sabha chairman C P Radhakrishnan and resigned from the Upper House. She also met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at his residence in Delhi. Refusing to make any comment on Mamata Banerjee, Dev said, “what prompted me to take this decision is a long story why I left the party. I don’t want to be in a situation where I am in two boats at the same time.” On reports of her joining the BJP, she said, “When I take a decision I will let you know.”According to news agency PTI, Dev said that she had resigned due to “personal and political reasons” and that “everyone has the right to change their mind, and to decide what kind of politics they want to do.”On Tuesday, TMC had fielded its senior leaders Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad to take on dissident MPs and questioning the claim made by rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of having support of 20 MPs and to have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc that would back the NDA.Demanding that the letter claiming support of 20 MPs should be placed in public domain, Banerjee challenged all dissident MPs to resign from TMC and join BJP.“Those who went to Union minister Bhupender Yadav’s residence and held meetings with West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari have effectively become BJP. Today, their leader is Narendra Modi. If anyone has political morality, they should resign from Parliament and seek a fresh mandate from the people,” Banerjee and Azad said at a press conference held in Delhi on Tuesday morning.“If the rebel MPs claim they have the numbers required under the Tenth Schedule, then why have they not formally merged with the BJP? The truth is that BJP has not officially accepted them despite their efforts to align with it,” the TMC leaders said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter Weeks In Captivity, 14 Freed In Manipur, Search Intensifies For Six Missing MenSushmita Dev Quits TMC & Rajya Sabha, Delivering Fresh Blow To Mamata Banerjee As TMC Crisis DeepensParaquat Debate: Why Is India Still Allowing A Herbicide Banned In 74 Countries?Narendra Modi Overtakes Jawaharlal Nehru As India’s Longest-Serving Democratically Elected PMPOK Protests, Detentions & Killings Vs Zojila Tunnel: Two Very Different Stories Across KashmirTMC Faces Fresh Rebellion As MPs Cozy Up To NDA, Shatrughan Sinha’s Silence Raises QuestionsDelhi Races Against Monsoon: 70% Drain Desilting Completed, June 15 Deadline SetFlying Could Cost More As Government-Backed ATF Price Hike Raises Airline Operating CostsIndus Waters Treaty In Abeyance: Centre Says Pakistan Won’t Get ‘A Single Drop’ Of WaterMamata Banerjee’s Rare Meeting With Sonia Gandhi Sparks Speculation Of Opposition Realignment123PhotostoriesLeaves turning chalky white: Here’s the reason behind it and how to fix itForget the royals, Mahira Khan’s shimmering desi moment at King Charles’ charity dinner made her look like the main event and not a guestAll about Knox and Vivienne: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s youngest 17-year-old twins7 budget-friendly localities in Pune for rent in 2026: Affordable areas with strong connectivityFatty Liver cases are rising: Can weight loss, healthy eating, and simple lifestyle changes reverse the damage?From Rusty Nail to White Lady: 10 cocktails and the stories behind themThe ancient Persian beauty guide: 5 Iranian beauty remedies that still deliver results6 foods Navy officers eat at sea more often than others6 places in India where you literally stand above the cloudsFrom hair spray to dry shampoo: 6 types of hair care products and how to use them for bouncy, shiny hair123Hot PicksSourth Africa ShootingBharathirajaDelhi hotel fireAshok MuralidaranFIFA World Cup ScheduleKarnataka Trader NewsHector PennKerala Plus One ResultTNEA Random NumberTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireChennai TNSTC BusMeerut Conversion CaseBareilly NewsFilmmaker Bharathiraja DeathKarnataka Murder MPSOS Ruk Jana Nahi result 2026 for June session to be released soon at mpsos.nic.in; check how to download Bobby Deol talks about family’s ‘difficult financial phase’ and Dharmendra’s pain: ‘No one else could have played Kanwal Randhawa’ | Affordable areas with strong connectivity Horoscope Tomorrow, June 11, 2026: Your zodiac insights await PoK unrest: BLF chief backs resistance, accuses Pakistan of suppressing political rights Historic milestone: South Korean women could become the first people in history to live beyond 90 on average After NHRC rap, UP orders action on costly private books in schools | India News How mush delay is too much delay? Athletes left waiting for National Sports Awards, ministry offers no explanation | Off the field News UGC NET city slip out at ugcnet.nta.nic.in for June 2026 exam; check helpline details and download link here Moushumi Chatterjee BREAKS SILENCE on retirement rumours, questions, ‘Who said I’m retiring?’ Chandra Taal: “Zabardasti ganda karne ki aadat hai logon ki…”; tourists turn Spiti’s Ramsar-listed Chandra Taal into a littering ground Merger rumours swirl after Congress-TMC huddles; Trinamool says ‘not happening’ Amid NDA’s celebration of PM Modi’s 12 years tenure in office, the Congress has launched a sharp attack on the central government, accusing them of undermining democratic institutions and attempting to erase India’s political history.Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah alleged that BJP’s celebration of PM Modi’s long tenure was “the biggest insult to democracy.”Citing the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, he accused the Election Commission of acting in favour of the BJP and claimed the move was part of a political conspiracy.“There were no defects whatsoever in Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination submission process. Yet, some defects have been fabricated to reject it,” he wrote.He further accused the ruling party of engaging in “vote theft,” misusing institutions and manipulating electoral processes to strengthen its position in Parliament.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also used the occasion to contrast PM Modi’s tenure with that of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.Highlighting achievements made between 1947 and 1952, including the integration of princely states, adoption of the Constitution, abolition of the zamindari system and establishment of scientific institutions, Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of attempting to erase that legacy.He said PM Modi was presiding over the “Murder of Democracy” in India, alleging that key democratic institutions, including the Election Commission and voter registration systems, were under threat.“PM Modi has an unnatural obsession and fixation against Nehru. He may have crossed some milestone today that he himself declared and dubiously fabricated, but he is a millstone around India’s neck, because under MODI’s leadership, the Murder of Democracy in India is taking place,” he wrote.Ramesh also argued that unlike Nehru, who secured decisive electoral mandates, PM Modi failed to win a clear majority on his own in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and depended on NDA allies to return to office.Adding to the criticism, the Congress’s official X handle posted a brief message quoting a famous line associated with Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib: “दिल बहलाने को ग़ालिब ये ख़्याल अच्छा है” (To distract the heart, Ghalib, this thought is good).The post is a jibe at BJP’s celebrations and its attempts to draw comparisons between PM Modi and Jawaharlal Nehru.Together, the remarks reflected the Congress party’s attempt to counter the BJP’s narrative around the Prime Minister’s 12-year tenure by portraying his years in office as a period marked by weakening democratic institutions and constitutional 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 MediaVideosAfter Weeks In Captivity, 14 Freed In Manipur, Search Intensifies For Six Missing MenSushmita Dev Quits TMC & Rajya Sabha, Delivering Fresh Blow To Mamata Banerjee As TMC Crisis DeepensParaquat Debate: Why Is India Still Allowing A Herbicide Banned In 74 Countries?Narendra Modi Overtakes Jawaharlal Nehru As India’s Longest-Serving Democratically Elected PMPOK Protests, Detentions & Killings Vs Zojila Tunnel: Two Very Different Stories Across KashmirTMC Faces Fresh Rebellion As MPs Cozy Up To NDA, Shatrughan Sinha’s Silence Raises QuestionsDelhi Races Against Monsoon: 70% Drain Desilting Completed, June 15 Deadline SetFlying Could Cost More As Government-Backed ATF Price Hike Raises Airline Operating CostsIndus Waters Treaty In Abeyance: Centre Says Pakistan Won’t Get ‘A Single Drop’ Of WaterMamata Banerjee’s Rare Meeting With Sonia Gandhi Sparks Speculation Of Opposition Realignment123PhotostoriesFrom Rusty Nail to White Lady: 10 cocktails and the stories behind themThe ancient Persian beauty guide: 5 Iranian beauty remedies that still deliver results6 foods Navy officers eat at sea more often than others6 places in India where you literally stand above the cloudsFrom hair spray to dry shampoo: 6 types of hair care products and how to use them for bouncy, shiny hairCompost vs potting soil vs topsoil: What sets them apart and when each should be used for best gardening results5 food influencer behaviours that are ruining the dining experience and how10 places where an earthquake became a tourist attractionShould parents read their child’s chats? Experts weigh inWhy toxic people feel so familiar to you: 5 psychology-backed reasons that may surprise you123Hot PicksSourth Africa ShootingBharathirajaDelhi hotel fireAshok MuralidaranFIFA World Cup ScheduleKarnataka Trader NewsHector PennKerala Plus One ResultTNEA Random NumberTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireChennai TNSTC BusMeerut Conversion CaseBareilly NewsFilmmaker Bharathiraja DeathKarnataka Murder ‘Whining and moaning just goes on’: Sunil Gavaskar fires back at IPL critics Rajasthan BSTC Pre D.El.Ed result 2026: Website down, here’s how to check scorecards at predeledraj2026.com Tamil Nadu government to give state honours to Bharathiraja; legendary filmmaker to receive official farewell 6 foods Navy officers eat at sea more often than others Court orders Flipkart to pay Rs 1.51 lakh for delivering wrong air purifier model Andaman Islands make history with a 73-foot underwater human tower, setting a Guinness World Record Trinamool Congress, born from the grassroots in 1998, is seeing the ground slip from beneath its feet, with rebels asserting themselves in the assembly and Parliament.In 2011, Mamata Banerjee’s party ended 34 years of Left rule in West Bengal, making her the state’s first woman chief minister and ushering in a 15-year stint in power. But when the TMC suffered its first electoral defeat at the hands of the BJP in 2026, the bigger challenge emerged after the results.Within weeks, a wave of revolt swept through the party at the local, state and national levels. Roughly three-quarters of the TMC’s legislators rebelled against both Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, widely seen as her political heir. The dissidents seized control of the party’s legislative wing, installed their own leader of the opposition and openly challenged the leadership’s authority.The unrest soon spread to Parliament. TMC MPs in Rajya Sabha, Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, resigned from both the Upper House and the party, while rebel Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claimed that nearly 20 TMC MPs were prepared to support the BJP-led NDA. The developments have triggered speculation about whether the TMC is headed for a formal split — and, more importantly, who stands to benefit if it does.The answer could have implications far beyond Bengal. A fractured TMC could strengthen the BJP both in Parliament and in the state, potentially follow a pattern seen in Maharashtra, Bihar and Odisha, or create an opening for the Congress and the Left to reclaim political space after years of decline.How BJP benefitsIf the Trinamool Congress (TMC) splits, the BJP stands to gain both numerically and politically. The immediate advantage lies in Parliament, where rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has claimed that around 20 of the party’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs are prepared to support the BJP-led NDA. Even if the dissidents do not formally join the BJP, their support would weaken one of the BJP’s principal opponents while strengthening the ruling coalition.The rebellion has revived speculation that the NDA may improve its chances of securing the numbers required for key constitutional amendments. Earlier this year, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026, popularly known as the Delimitation Bill, failed to pass after the government fell short of the two-thirds majority required in Parliament. The Women’s Reservation Constitution Amendment Bill, which had been linked to the delimitation exercise, also stalled for the same reason. Support from a sizeable bloc of TMC dissidents could potentially strengthen the NDA’s position on such legislation, even if it does not immediately alter the formal composition of the ruling alliance.The bigger gains, however, could come in West Bengal. Despite the BJP’s emphatic victory in the 2026 assembly elections, the gap in vote share between the two parties was relatively narrow. While the BJP won 207 seats against the TMC’s 80, it secured 46.24 per cent of the vote compared to the TMC’s 41.16 per cent. The numbers suggest that the TMC still retains a substantial support base, but a split could fragment that vote further, making it easier for the BJP to consolidate its dominance in the state.A divided TMC would also give the BJP an opportunity to attract disgruntled leaders, legislators and local organisers. Political observers point out that the BJP has often benefited when regional parties weaken through internal divisions, as seen in states such as Maharashtra and Bihar. In Bengal, where the BJP has emerged as the principal pole of politics, defections from the TMC could further strengthen its organisational reach.The BJP may also benefit because there is little evidence that a weakened TMC would automatically help the Congress or the Left. In recent years, much of the anti-TMC vote has shifted towards the BJP rather than other opposition parties.Political commentator and former Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha argues that this trend is partly rooted in the TMC’s own political strategy over the past decade. According to him, the party steadily absorbed much of the Congress’s organisational and electoral base in Bengal, leaving little space for a viable third force. As the Congress and the Left weakened, anti-incumbency sentiment against the TMC increasingly found expression through the BJP.”A bipolar contest always helps the BJP significantly because it plays a more polarised game,” Jha says. If the TMC fragments further, he argues, the BJP could once again emerge as the principal beneficiary rather than the Congress or the Left.Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha: Is Bengal following a familiar script?The turmoil within the TMC is drawing comparisons with political developments in several states where dominant regional parties either fractured internally or gradually lost ground to the BJP. The closest parallel is Maharashtra, where rebellions within the Shiv Sena and later the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) began among legislators before spreading to Parliament and eventually resulting in rival factions claiming legitimacy. In both cases, the splits weakened opposition parties and strengthened the BJP’s position.The developments in Bengal appear to be following a similar trajectory. The revolt began with dissident MLAs challenging the party leadership and has now reached Parliament, with rebel MPs claiming the support of a significant section of the TMC’s Lok Sabha contingent. Veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has already suggested that the unrest within the party’s parliamentary ranks could deepen further.Beyond Maharashtra, Bengal’s political churn also resembles a broader national trend. In Odisha, the BJP gradually displaced the Biju Janata Dal after more than two decades in power. In Bihar, regional formations such as the JD(U) and RJD have steadily ceded political space as the BJP expanded its footprint. Across states, parties once seen as dominant regional forces have found it increasingly difficult to withstand the BJP’s organisational and electoral growth.The TMC’s troubles come at a time when several regional parties have either lost power, fragmented or seen their influence diminish. Whether Bengal ultimately follows the Maharashtra model of a formal split or the Odisha model of a dominant regional force being replaced remains unclear. But the experience of other states suggests that internal divisions often accelerate a process already underway — the weakening of regional parties and the consolidation of the BJP as the principal pole of politics.Can the INDIA bloc afford a weakened TMC?The TMC’s crisis has implications beyond West Bengal. As one of the INDIA bloc’s largest constituents and among the BJP’s strongest opponents in Parliament, a weakened or divided TMC would reduce the opposition alliance’s collective strength at a time when it is already facing internal strains.Mamata Banerjee’s presence at the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi was therefore significant. Coming amid rebellion within her party, it underscored her need for a broader opposition platform even as the alliance seeks to retain unity after recent electoral setbacks. With the DMK also distancing itself from the bloc, the weakening of another major regional player could further complicate the opposition’s efforts to present a united challenge to the BJP.Some opposition voices argue that the TMC’s troubles make greater coordination within the INDIA bloc even more important. Sanjay Jha contends that neither the Congress nor the TMC is currently strong enough in Bengal to effectively challenge the BJP on its own. A divided opposition, he argues, would only make it easier for the BJP to consolidate its gains in the state.”They are planning this game to make sure that the TMC is not in a good position in the Lok Sabha of 2029, which is only two and a half years away or three years away. So, what should happen ideally in West Bengal is that the TMC and the Congress will have to come together. TMC and Congress have no alternative but to come together,” he said.For the INDIA bloc, the question is not just whether the TMC survives intact, but whether the opposition can remain cohesive if one of its key pillars is weakened from within.Opportunity for Left, Congress or just a mirage?A split in the TMC could, at least in theory, create political space for the Congress and the Left. Both parties have struggled to remain relevant in West Bengal since the rise of Mamata Banerjee, and a weakening of the TMC could allow them to position themselves as an alternative for voters uncomfortable with both the BJP and the ruling party. The Congress, in particular, could seek to attract minority voters and sections of the anti-BJP electorate if the TMC appears divided or unable to effectively challenge the saffron party.Yet others caution that the Congress may not be in a position to capitalise on such an opening. Sanjay Jha argues that the party’s organisational structure in Bengal has weakened significantly after decades out of power and cannot be rebuilt overnight. Having been out of power in the state for decades, the Congress would struggle to rapidly fill any vacuum created by a TMC split.”The Congress has no organisational muscle in West Bengal. I don’t think the Congress is suddenly going to find an opportunity and, even if there is one, I don’t think it is capable of leveraging it,” he said.Even, electoral trends suggest that such gains are far from guaranteed. Data from the past 4 assembly elections shows a dramatic collapse of the Left-Congress space. The CPM’s vote share fell from 30.08 per cent in 2011 to just 4.49 per cent in 2026, while the Congress declined from 9.09 per cent to 2.99 per cent over the same period. In contrast, the BJP’s rise from 4.06 per cent in 2011 to 46.24 per cent in 2026 closely mirrors the decline of the Left Front, indicating that much of the anti-TMC vote has migrated to the BJP rather than returning to traditional opposition parties.The question, therefore, is whether a weakened TMC would actually revive the Congress-Left combine or simply accelerate the BJP’s consolidation. While some minority voters could become disillusioned if the TMC descends into prolonged factionalism, there is little recent evidence to suggest a large-scale shift towards the Congress or the Left. The TMC still secured 41.16 per cent of the vote in 2026 despite its defeat, suggesting that it retains a substantial social and electoral base that may not be easily transferable.That vote share, Sanjay Jha argues, is also a reminder that the TMC remains a significant political force despite its current crisis. Even after a major electoral defeat, it continues to command the support of more than four in ten voters, suggesting that assumptions about its rapid decline may be premature.Suggesting the “best way forward”, he said, “TMC still has more than 40% of the vote share. So, add Congress and together they become a viable alternative.”This also raises a broader question about the future shape of Bengal politics. Is the state moving towards a bipolar BJP-versus-TMC contest, with other parties increasingly marginalised? Or could a TMC split create an opening for the Congress and the Left to re-emerge as a meaningful third force? Or could the TMC find its way back to the Congress—the very party it broke away from in 1998 to chart an independent political course? For now, the electoral data points more strongly to the former scenario, but the answer may depend on where disgruntled TMC leaders, minority voters and anti-BJP constituencies choose to align in the months ahead.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. 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