Two Trinamool Congress MPs have expressed support for a separate parliamentary party faction of the TMC, sending a letter to the Speaker. The letter, dated May 18, has been signed by 19 MPs, with serial numbers from 1 to 20, sparking speculation about the 20th rebel MP.
The Speaker's office has not confirmed receipt of the letter, but the developments indicate momentum building up ahead of the TMC splitting. The party insiders continue to maintain that the rebel faction does not have 19 MPs.
Options before the rebel MPs include merging with the BJP or approaching the election commission with proof of legislative majority. If they choose to merge with the BJP, they will not face disqualification as they will meet the criteria of two-thirds of the party merging with another.
The BJP has opted to watch from the sidelines, but senior party leaders have been in touch with the rebels. The party functionaries said that the rebels have been in touch with them of their own volition and want to support the NDA and the nationalist ideology.
