Opposition Briefly Boycotts All-Party Meet Over Invite To Rebel TMC MPs' New Party
Opposition Briefly Boycotts All-Party Meet Over Invite To Rebel TMC MPs' New Party Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 12:20 IST Opposition leaders briefly
Opposition Briefly Boycotts All-Party Meet Over Invite To Rebel TMC MPs' New Party Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 12:20 IST Opposition leaders briefly walked out of an all-party meeting before the Monsoon Session, objecting to the NCPI's participation. They returned shortly. Rapid Read Opposition Leaders on the symbolic walkout from all-party meeting (PTI) Opposition leaders briefly walked out of the customary all-party meeting on Sunday, convened ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, objecting to the participation of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a newly formed outfit comprising several rebel Trinamool Congress MPs. They returned to the meeting shortly afterwards. The protest came after around 20 rebel Trinamool MPs merged with the NCPI last month. The opposition objected to the party’s inclusion in the meeting, arguing that the merger had not yet been formally approved. The Parliament website continues to list the 20-odd rebel MPs who joined the NCPI as members of the Trinamool Congress. The opposition’s walkout appeared to be a symbolic protest against the NCPI’s participation, with leaders rejoining the meeting within minutes.
“On what grounds were they invited by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister to attend the all-party meeting. The strength of Trinamool Congress is still showing us 28," TMC MP Mahua Moitra said. Meanwhile, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, leader of the NCPI bloc, thanked the Parliamentary Affairs Minister for allowing the party to participate in the all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. “We were invited, and we attended, representing the new party with 20 MPs. Our stance is that the House belongs to the Opposition; this must be acknowledged. The government, too, must agree and take the initiative to ensure the House functions smoothly. Furthermore, we are committed to our party’s principles: secularism, communal harmony, and national unity. These are the firm policies enshrined in the NCPI’s constitution. We believe this is significant because, among the 20 MPs who formed the NCPI, three are Muslim," TMC rebel MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins tomorrow.
The government has convened a meeting of floor leaders from all parties today. We urge all political parties to contribute to and cooperate in ensuring the smooth conduct of this Monsoon Session." Rijiju said Parliament “belongs to everyone" and expressed hope that both the ruling alliance and the opposition would work together to ensure the smooth conduct of legislative business. Stressing the importance of cooperation, he said, “The better Parliament functions, the more the country benefits," while urging leaders across party lines to help maintain the orderly functioning of the House. He added, “We will listen to the opposition, and we expect them to listen to us as well." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What impact will the NCPI have on the Monsoon Session? The NCPI's invitation to an all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session may signal parliamentary recognition for the party, following a split from the TMC.
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