Lok Sabha Speaker invites Abhishek Banerjee to discuss TMC’s status in House

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has invited Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee to present his party’s position on its recognition in the Lower House. The meeting is scheduled for 5 pm on Friday, June 19, in the Speaker’s official chamber in Parliament, according to sources in the Speaker’s office.

The move comes as the Speaker is yet to decide on the status of the TMC parliamentary party amid reports of an internal split. The TMC, with 23 members in the 17th Lok Sabha, is the fourth-largest party. A division within its ranks has raised questions over which faction should be treated as the official TMC for the purposes of House business, including seating, speaking slots, and committee appointments.

Under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the Speaker is the final authority on recognising a party or a group as a legislature party. The decision becomes particularly significant when rival factions claim to represent the original party. The Speaker typically hears representations from all sides before issuing a ruling. It is understood that other TMC members may have already submitted their views to the Speaker’s office.

Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, is a key organisational leader and represents the Diamond Harbour constituency. He was initially slated to meet the Speaker on Monday, but could not do so as he was appearing before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation. His questioning lasted until late evening, according to party sources. Consequently, TMC MP Kirti Azad met Speaker Birla on Monday and conveyed Banerjee’s inability to attend the scheduled meeting.

Following that, the Speaker’s office sent a written communication on Wednesday, requesting Banerjee to appear on Friday. The letter reportedly stated that the Speaker would hear him at 5 pm in his chamber. TMC insiders confirmed that Banerjee will travel to Delhi to honour the appointment.

The outcome of this meeting could provide clarity on the Speaker’s eventual decision. Parliamentary procedures allow the Speaker wide discretion in such matters, and Friday’s discussion may shape the formal recognition. The recognition holds practical importance as it determines which faction gets official communication from the government, participates in key committees, and represents the party in debates.

The TMC, which swept the 2019 general elections in West Bengal, has been a vocal opposition party. Any split in its Lok Sabha unit could have implications for its parliamentary strategy and floor coordination. For now, all eyes are on Friday’s meeting between the Speaker and one of the party’s most influential figures.

The Speaker’s decision, once taken, is binding on the House. Past rulings in similar situations have set precedents, and the Speaker’s office often consults legal and parliamentary experts. The TMC case is being closely watched for its potential precedent value.