West Bengal Faction to Merge With Nationalist Citizens’ Party

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Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar’s rebel faction within West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced plans to merge with the NDA-backed Nationalist Citizens’ Party of India, prompting immediate condemnation from TMC leadership as “ridiculous.” The move, reported by multiple Indian media outlets, marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape amid ongoing internal strife within the TMC.

According to Telegraph India, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a senior TMC leader, confirmed the merger during a press conference on June 14, 2026, stating that the decision aligns with the broader goal of uniting opposition forces against the ruling TMC. The Nationalist Citizens’ Party, which has previously allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other NDA allies, has not yet issued an official statement on the potential alliance.

The TMC, however, has rejected the move as “politically motivated” and “unprincipled.” Abhishek Banerjee, a senior TMC leader and son of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to reject recognition of the rebel faction, according to The Hindu. “This is a clear attempt to destabilize the party and undermine its democratic processes,” Banerjee said in a statement.

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TMC Condemns the Merger as ‘Ridiculous’
The TMC’s public criticism of the merger underscores deepening tensions within the party, which has faced internal divisions since the 2024 West Bengal Assembly elections. The rebel faction, comprising at least 20 TMC legislators, had previously accused the party leadership of favoritism and mismanagement.

In a statement released on June 14, 2026, the TMC’s national leadership called the merger “a desperate move by disgruntled members to gain political mileage.” The party also accused the Nationalist Citizens’ Party of “exploiting internal TMC conflicts” to expand its influence.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party, based in Tripura, has historically operated as a smaller regional force but has recently gained attention for its alignment with NDA groups. Its leader, Pratap Chandra Moily, has not publicly addressed the potential merger, according to NDTV.

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Context of the Political Rivalry
The TMC’s internal rifts have intensified following the party’s performance in the 2024 elections, where it retained power in West Bengal but faced criticism for alleged missteps. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a former minister and close ally of Mamata Banerjee, had previously been sidelined within the party.

The rebel MPs, including Ghosh Dastidar, have accused TMC leadership of excluding them from key decision-making processes. Their move to align with the Nationalist Citizens’ Party signals a broader strategy to challenge the TMC’s dominance in the state.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party’s potential expansion could shift the balance of power in West Bengal, where the TMC has maintained a stronghold for decades. Analysts note that the party’s NDA backing could provide the rebels with a platform to attract support from BJP-aligned voters.

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What Comes Next?
The merger’s outcome remains uncertain. The TMC has threatened legal action against the rebel faction, citing violations of party rules. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Citizens’ Party has not clarified whether it will formally accept the rebels into its ranks.

Political analysts suggest the move could complicate the TMC’s efforts to consolidate its base ahead of future elections. “This merger risks fracturing the TMC further and creating a new political front in West Bengal,” said Dr. Anurag Bhattacharya, a political scientist at Jadavpur University.

The Lok Sabha Speaker’s office has not yet commented on the rebels’ request for recognition, according to sources. If approved, the merger could set a precedent for other dissident groups within the TMC.

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Implications for West Bengal Politics
The potential alliance between the TMC rebels and the Nationalist Citizens’ Party could reshape the state’s political dynamics. The NDA, which includes the BJP, has long sought to challenge the TMC’s influence in West Bengal. A unified opposition front could weaken the TMC’s majority in key constituencies.

However, the Nationalist Citizens’ Party’s limited national presence may hinder its ability to compete with the TMC’s established networks. The party’s success will depend on its capacity to attract both TMC defectors and broader voter support.

For the TMC, the fallout highlights the challenges of managing internal dissent while maintaining electoral stability. The party’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to “internal democracy,” but critics argue that its response to the rebellion reflects a lack of flexibility.

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Sources
According to Telegraph India, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar’s faction plans to merge with the Nationalist Citizens’ Party.
The Hindu reported TMC leaders condemning the move as “ridiculous.”
NDTV noted that 20 rebel TMC MPs have sought alignment with the Nationalist Citizens’ Party.
The Nationalist Citizens’ Party has not issued an official statement on the potential merger.
Political analysts, including Dr. Anurag Bhattacharya, provided context