TMC MP wears poster calling rebel MPs 'traitors' in Parliament, demands EC action
In a dramatic display during a parliamentary session, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee wore a poster around his neck that listed photographs of fellow party members who have rebelled, labeling them '20 traitors of Bengal'. The incident occurred on Monday as Banerjee called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to expedite a decision regarding their disqualification.
The poster, which Banerjee wore prominently in the Lok Sabha, featured the images of 20 TMC lawmakers who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha elections and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TMC has argued that these members should be disqualified under the anti-defection law, and has repeatedly sought the ECI's intervention.
Banerjee's act underscores the escalating political tension in West Bengal, where defections have become a major flashpoint between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP. The TMC accuses the BJP of poaching its legislators, while the BJP contends that it is welcoming those who are disillusioned with the TMC's governance.
The rebel MPs, many of whom have publicly switched allegiance, have not yet faced formal disqualification proceedings. The TMC has petitioned the ECI for a decision, but the process remains pending. Banerjee's display in Parliament appears aimed at pressuring the commission for a swift ruling.
Parliamentary observers noted that while such demonstrations are unusual, they reflect the deep political divide in West Bengal. The term 'traitors' used by Banerjee has drawn criticism from some quarters for its inflammatory nature, but the TMC maintains that it is a factual description of those who have betrayed the party mandate.
Political analysts suggest that the ECI's decision on the matter could have significant implications for the state's political landscape, especially with upcoming elections. The case highlights the ongoing legal and procedural debates around the anti-defection law and its enforcement.
