‘I Was, Am And Will Remain With Mamata’: Shatrughan Sinha Rejects Rebel Camp Claims Amid TMC Crisis

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha has firmly denied reports linking him to a dissident group within the party, declaring that his political loyalty remains firmly with Mamata Banerjee despite growing turbulence in the organisation.

Responding to claims that his name featured among MPs allegedly supporting a rebel bloc, Sinha said he had neither endorsed any such move nor signed any document associated with the group. He insisted that attempts to portray him as part of an internal revolt were completely misplaced.

Reaffirming his allegiance, Sinha stated, "I was with Mamata Banerjee, I am with Mamata Banerjee, and I will remain with Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress." He described this commitment as a personal "three-line whip" that he had imposed on himself.

The veteran parliamentarian acknowledged that his outspoken style often attracts attention but rejected suggestions that it should be interpreted as support for any factional movement. "Some people may consider me a rebel, but if speaking the truth is rebellion, then I am a rebel. However, my name should not be linked to this group. I have not signed anything, nor has anyone approached me," he said.

Sinha also reflected on the support he received from Mamata Banerjee during a difficult period in his political career. Recalling the aftermath of his 2019 electoral defeat, he said the West Bengal Chief Minister had encouraged him and provided him an opportunity to contest from Asansol.

"When I lost the 2019 election and was going through a difficult phase, Mamata Banerjee was the one who stood by me. She encouraged me, gave me an opportunity to contest from Asansol, and I won. In her difficult time, I cannot abandon her," Sinha remarked.

Addressing questions about the party's leadership structure, the TMC MP maintained that Mamata Banerjee remained his sole political leader. While noting that he knew Abhishek Banerjee personally, Sinha said all political guidance and instructions he had received within the party had always come directly from Mamata Banerjee.

He further argued that the party chief continued to command substantial public backing and remained one of the most influential political figures in West Bengal. According to Sinha, her grassroots connection and political resilience have helped her overcome challenges repeatedly throughout her career.

Commenting on reports of unrest within the party, Sinha sought to downplay speculation of an irreversible split. He said differences of opinion were common in political organisations and should not automatically be viewed as evidence of a collapse in party unity.

On discussions surrounding possible opposition realignments, Sinha said he was unaware of any proposal involving a merger between the Trinamool Congress and Congress. However, he added that cooperation between Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi would strengthen the opposition and benefit democratic politics.