Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia on Thursday dismissed Mamata Banerjee’s recent visit to the national capital, emphasising that the rebel faction remains unfazed by her administrative or political movements. Reacting to questions about Mamata Banerjee’s visit to Delhi, Basunia, a prominent member among the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmakers who recently aligned with the NCPI, made light of her presence in the capital. He said, “As for where Mamata Banerjee goes or not, that is not our concern; she is the Leader of the Opposition and is free to go wherever she pleases.”
Addressing ongoing parliamentary proceedings and factional disputes following the major rift within the TMC party, the Cooch Behar MP indicated that the rebel group is seeking additional time from parliamentary authorities to formalise their stance. “We will request more time, another 20 days—and our leader, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, will articulate our position on the matter,” Basunia added, pointing to veteran leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay to steer their collective strategy.
Following major internal friction within the TMC, a substantial bloc of 20 Lok Sabha MPs broke away to merge with the registered regional outfit, the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). In response to disqualification notices and legal challenges raised by the TMC leadership under anti-defection laws, the breakaway group under Sudip Bandyopadhyay’s leadership is seeking a 20-day extension to file their formal replies with the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office.
