Kolkata: Amid signs of internal unease within the Trinamool Congress, party chief Mamata Banerjee has appointed senior MP Kalyan Banerjee as the Chief Whip of the All India Trinamool Congress in the Lok Sabha, a move being seen as a strong attempt to tighten parliamentary discipline at a sensitive political moment.
According to the report, Mamata Banerjee, in her capacity as chairperson of the AITC Parliamentary Party, has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informing him about Kalyan Banerjee’s appointment with immediate effect. She has also requested that the development be taken on record and necessary action be initiated.
The decision comes at a time when the TMC is facing speculation over a possible rebellion within its parliamentary ranks. A day earlier, a group of rebel TMC MPs reportedly claimed that they had written to the Lok Sabha Speaker expressing their intention to be part of the NDA camp.
Kalyan Banerjee, considered close to Mamata Banerjee, has now been given a key role in managing the party’s floor strategy in Parliament. As Chief Whip, he will be responsible for ensuring the presence of TMC MPs in the House, issuing party directions during important debates and votes, and maintaining discipline among members.
The timing of the appointment has triggered political interest. In Parliament, the Chief Whip plays a crucial role, especially when a party is dealing with internal differences. The person holding the post can issue directions to MPs and report any act of defiance to the party leadership. In a situation involving claims of rebellion, this post becomes even more significant.
Kalyan Banerjee has also raised questions over a letter reportedly written by Kakoli Ghosh to the Speaker. He claimed that even after 24 hours, the letter had not been made public and said the Speaker’s office had not confirmed receiving such a communication. He further suggested that MPs moving away from the party line may have to face consequences under the Tenth Schedule, which deals with anti defection provisions.
TMC MP Kirti Azad also hit out strongly at the rebel group and questioned why those unhappy with the party did not leave before elections. He said they should resign and contest again on a BJP ticket if they no longer wanted to remain with the Trinamool Congress.
For the TMC, the development is more than a routine parliamentary reshuffle. It appears to be a message that the leadership is preparing to handle dissent through formal political and parliamentary channels.
The coming days will show whether this appointment helps Mamata Banerjee regain control over the party’s Lok Sabha unit or whether the reported rebellion takes a more serious turn.