Archive · 27 Jul 2026
TMC seeks early decision on rebel MPs
Abhishek Banerjee, a leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), met with the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, to ask for a quick decision on whether 20 MPs who left the TMC should be disqualified.
These MPs joined a new party called the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).
Banerjee said that the Speaker has not yet decided on the disqualification petitions, which were filed over five weeks ago.
He also objected to changes in the seating arrangements of TMC MPs, arguing that it is unfair while the disqualification petitions are still pending.
The rebel MPs, on the other hand, claim that their merger with the NCPI should protect them from disqualification and have sought separate seating arrangements and recognition as a parliamentary group.
Abhishek Banerjee met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek an early decision on the disqualification of 20 rebel MPs who joined the NCPI.
Banerjee argued that the disqualification petitions, filed on June 19, have remained pending for over five weeks without any action from the Speaker.
He objected to changes in the seating arrangements of TMC MPs, stating that it is unjust while the disqualification petitions are still pending.
The rebel MPs claim a 'merger' with the NCPI and have sought separate seating arrangements and recognition as a parliamentary group.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat invited the NCPI separately to the all-party meeting on July 19, prompting a symbolic walkout by opposition parties.
- Who
- Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee and 20 rebel MPs
- What
- Abhishek Banerjee submitted letters to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking early decision on disqualification of 20 rebel MPs and revocation of changes in seating arrangements.
- When
- July 27, 2023
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To expedite the decision on disqualification petitions and address the changes in seating arrangements.
Trinamool Congress
Rebel MPs
Disqualification of Rebel MPs
Trinamool Congress
The TMC argues that the 20 rebel MPs have voluntarily given up their party membership by joining the NCPI, which is not a recognized political formation, and should be disqualified under the anti-defection law.
Rebel MPs
The rebel MPs claim a 'merger' with the NCPI, which they argue should protect them under the anti-defection law, and have sought separate seating arrangements and recognition as a parliamentary group.
Seating Arrangements
Trinamool Congress
The TMC objects to the Lok Sabha Secretariat's decision to change the seating and division numbers of 28 TMC MPs, arguing that this is unjust and contrary to established parliamentary practice while the disqualification petitions are still pending.
Rebel MPs
The rebel MPs have requested separate seating arrangements and recognition of the NCPI parliamentary group, which was granted by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
- Date of Meeting with Speaker
- July 27, 2023
- Number of Rebel MPs
- 20
- Date of Filing Disqualification Petitions
- June 19, 2023
- Political Party of Rebel MPs
- Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI)
- Leader of Trinamool Congress
- Abhishek Banerjee
- Lok Sabha Speaker
- Om Birla
- Date of All-Party Meeting
- July 19, 2023
