Mamata Banerjee agreed to merger with the Congress, but Abhishek makes BIG demand

Kolkata: Following a crushing defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has faced a major split. Not only have around 60 MLAs parted ways with Mamata Banerjee, but more than 20 MPs have also rebelled. Troubled by this fragmentation, Mamata Banerjee received a merger offer from Sonia Gandhi, which she has agreed to accept. ABP News, citing sources, reported that while Mamata Banerjee is willing to merge the TMC with the Congress, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee—during a meeting with Rahul Gandhi—demanded the position currently held by Mallikarjun Kharge. He insisted that Mamata Banerjee be sent to the Rajya Sabha and appointed as the Leader of the Opposition there. Currently, the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha is held by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

After the elections, a significant rift emerged within the TMC, led by Ritabrata Banerjee. Fifty-eight MLAs elected Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition and informed the Assembly Speaker of this decision via a letter; consequently, Ritabrata Banerjee secured the post. Following this, speculation arose that a major split might also occur within the TMC's parliamentary ranks in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Numerous TMC MPs began targeting Mamata Banerjee, with leaders like Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Sushmita Dev resigning. Meanwhile, in the Lok Sabha, a group of over 20 MPs—led by Kakoli Ghosh, once a close associate of Mamata Banerjee—rebelled and distanced themselves from her. This group includes Saayoni Ghosh, who had previously come under fire for humming a song referencing Kaaba and Medina.