Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Twenty Rebel TMC MPs Seek More Time Disqualification Replies
Twenty lawmakers were elected as members of the Trinamool Congress.
They later said they had joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India, which became part of the BJP-led alliance.
Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee asked that they be removed from Parliament under an anti-switching rule.
The Lok Sabha office gave the lawmakers seven days to explain themselves.
They asked for about three more weeks to prepare their legal answers.
Trinamool politician Mahua Moitra said this showed they did not have a strong answer ready.
The rebel MPs are reportedly speaking with lawyers and seeking legal help.
The Supreme Court has told the Speaker’s office to move the case forward without unnecessary delay.
Twenty MPs elected on Trinamool Congress tickets and now claiming affiliation with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India have sought additional time to answer disqualification petitions.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued notices on August 26, giving the MPs seven days to respond under the anti-defection law.
The MPs requested roughly three more weeks, saying they need time to prepare a comprehensive or “bulletproof” legal defense.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra accused the rebels of exposing a gap between their political claims and legal position, while a party loyalist dismissed the request as delay tactics.
The petitions were filed by Abhishek Banerjee, after which the Supreme Court directed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s office to expedite the proceedings.
- Who
- Twenty MPs elected on Trinamool Congress tickets, Abhishek Banerjee, Mahua Moitra, and Speaker Om Birla are central to the dispute.
- What
- The MPs have requested more time to respond to petitions seeking their disqualification under the anti-defection law.
- When
- The notices were issued on August 26; the reports describe the seven-day deadline as ending either Tuesday or Wednesday, reflecting a one-day discrepancy.
- Where
- The matter is before the Lok Sabha Secretariat and Speaker, with related proceedings before the Supreme Court.
- Why
- The MPs say they need additional time to prepare their legal defense; the Trinamool Congress says the request is delaying the disqualification process.
Rebel MPs’ Position
Trinamool Congress’ Position
Need for additional time
Rebel MPs’ Position
The MPs say more time is needed to prepare a comprehensive, legally robust response and are reportedly consulting lawyers.
Trinamool Congress’ Position
Mahua Moitra and a Trinamool Congress loyalist argue that the MPs should already have an answer and that the request indicates weakness or is intended to delay proceedings.
Legal standing
Rebel MPs’ Position
The rebel bloc is seeking to defend itself against alleged violations of the Tenth Schedule and avoid disqualification and possible by-elections.
Trinamool Congress’ Position
The Trinamool Congress maintains that the MPs cannot establish a legally valid position regardless of how much time they receive.
Role of the National Democratic Alliance
Rebel MPs’ Position
Sources in the rebel bloc say they have sought or received legal assistance from figures associated with the ruling alliance.
Trinamool Congress’ Position
A Trinamool Congress loyalist alleges that the additional time is part of broader political delay tactics.
- MPs involved
- Twenty MPs elected on Trinamool Congress tickets
- Claimed affiliation
- Nationalist Citizens Party of India
- Extension requested
- Approximately three additional weeks
- Notice date
- August 26
- Petitioner
- Abhishek Banerjee
- Relevant provision
- Anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule
- Court direction
- The Supreme Court directed the Speaker’s office to expedite the decision-making process
