LS Speaker to meet TMC leadership before approving rebel merger with NDA-backed party

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to meet with representatives of the Trinamool Congress before approving a proposal by 20 TMC rebels to merge with the Tripura-based NCPI party and join the NDA.

The development marks a significant delay in one of Parliament's largest defections in recent times. The decision on whether to allow the merger has been pending with the Speaker's office.