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TMC Faces Internal Strife as Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Resigns
Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has made history as the first Rajya Sabha member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to resign following the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal. His departure raises concerns about a potential wave of resignations among TMC MPs, as the party grapples with dissatisfaction and rebellion within its ranks. The TMC currently holds 12 seats in the Rajya Sabha and 28 in the Lok Sabha.
On Monday morning, about 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs convened a meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Ray himself. When asked if others might follow suit in resigning from the party, Ray remarked,
“The possibility cannot be ruled out.”
The TMC’s troubles deepened after its electoral rout, leading to significant dissent among its members. Approximately two dozen of the party's 80 MLAs have revolted, backing Ritabrata Banerjee as the new Leader of the Opposition, despite Mamata Banerjee's appointment of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the role. While TMC Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar stepped down from her primary party position, she has not yet left the party entirely.
Ray has been vocal about the party's failure to recognize the voters' verdict. He stated,
“The people of the state had voted against TMC and its corruption. Corruption in the party has crossed all limits. Instead of looking within and going for course correction, the party leader is crying wolf.”
Reflecting on a meeting held by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee after the election results, Ray expressed disappointment. He had anticipated a thorough evaluation of the party's shortcomings but found the discussion focused solely on blaming the BJP for their defeat. He noted,
“In that meeting also, no one was allowed to speak. We were told in the end that if any MPs had any suggestions, they could write. What was the point of calling all of us to the meeting then?”
Ray revealed that his contemplation of resignation began after the RG Kar incident in August 2024, stating,
“I did not decide to quit in a huff. I have been thinking about it since the RG Kar incident. The rot in the party has crossed all limits.”He was the first to publicly protest against that incident, highlighting his marginalization within the party as a consequence of his stance.
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