TMC Turmoil Deepens As Veteran MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Quits Parliament And Party, More Exits Likely
The political troubles facing the Trinamool Congress intensified on Monday after senior Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Ray announced his resignation from both Parliament and the party, delivering another setback to the Mamata Banerjee-led organisation amid growing internal unrest.
Ray's departure comes at a time when the party is already grappling with a major rebellion in West Bengal, where a section of legislators has openly challenged the leadership. His resignation is being viewed as the first major fallout within the party's parliamentary ranks, raising fresh questions about the stability of the TMC's presence in the national legislature.
In his resignation letter, Ray said the verdict delivered by voters in the recent West Bengal Assembly election reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the Trinamool Congress's governance. He cited allegations of corruption, concerns over law and order, issues related to women's safety, and shortcomings in sectors such as education, healthcare, employment and industry as key reasons behind the electoral outcome.
The veteran politician also praised the newly formed BJP government in the state, expressing hope that it would implement its promises and focus on rebuilding and developing West Bengal. Describing the election result as a historic mandate, Ray said he had chosen to step down from both the Rajya Sabha and the primary membership of the Trinamool Congress in deference to the will of the people.
His resignation has further fuelled speculation about possible cracks emerging within the party's parliamentary wing. Political circles are closely watching developments after reports suggested that another Rajya Sabha member, Koel Mallick, could also take a similar step in the coming days.
If additional resignations occur, the Trinamool Congress could witness a noticeable reduction in its strength in the Upper House. The party currently holds 13 seats in the Rajya Sabha, and any further departures could weaken its influence at the national level.
The latest development adds to the challenges confronting the TMC leadership as it attempts to contain internal divisions and rebuild momentum following its electoral setback. With unrest no longer limited to the state assembly, attention is now turning to whether the crisis could trigger a broader realignment within the party's parliamentary ranks.
