Raipur : Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Dola Sen, chairing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce during its visit to Raipur on June 12, declined to comment on reports that 19 TMC MPs have submitted their names to the Lok Sabha Speaker’s Office amid an internal party rebellion and resignations.
The committee, comprising members from multiple parties, conducted discussions regarding trade, exports, and sector-specific concerns during its visit to Chhattisgarh. The delegation included BJP MPs Rahul Sinha and Santosh Pandey, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, and MP Anita Subhadarshini.
BJP MP Santosh Pandey told ANI that the committee held detailed deliberations on trade matters. “The Parliamentary Committee on Commerce was here in Raipur, and they are departing for Bhubaneswar today. Detailed discussions were held on various subjects, including the performance of our trade amidst the global situation and the nature of our trade relations with numerous countries worldwide,” he stated.
Regarding the ongoing TMC political crisis, Pandey noted, “It appears to be 19, though the number could be higher based on current speculation. It has become clear across the country that those who cross the line or commit wrongdoing will have to face the consequences; the people of West Bengal have demonstrated this.”
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury emphasised the development potential in Chhattisgarh, especially in organic farming. “There is immense potential for development here in Chhattisgarh, and there are organic farming regions that are considered very significant to us; we hope everything goes well and progresses,” she said.
Chowdhury also reacted to the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination, alleging political interference. “It is a conspiracy. It is no longer just about stealing votes; now, seats are being stolen too. Wherever they see a vacant seat of power, they move in and seize the government… We will fight to the very end, but we will not compromise… This is a conspiracy, and the government should be ashamed of engaging in such actions and behaviour,” she added.
BJP MP Rahul Sinha said the committee visited the Bhilai Steel Plant and engaged in extensive discussions on steel sector issues. “We toured the Bhilai Steel Plant and held comprehensive discussions regarding the steel sector. We deliberated on various points–ranging from agriculture to other key issues–and listened to everyone’s views… Now, we are heading to Bhubaneswar for further discussions on the steel industry,” he said.
BJP MP Anita Subhadarshini acknowledged ongoing concerns about trade relations and tariffs between India and the United States but noted that the situation in Chhattisgarh was better than initially expected. “While there are ongoing issues regarding the trade relationship and tariffs between India and the US, the situation in Chhattisgarh is not as problematic as we had initially perceived. However, the government will definitely pay attention to the points raised concerning products and exports,” she told ANI.
The Parliamentary Committee is scheduled to proceed to Bhubaneswar for further discussions, including on steel industry and other trade-related matters.
