Is Shatrughan Sinha joining TMC rebel group? Party MP clears the air, says ‘if speaking truth is considered….'

Published 11 June 2026 · politics

Shatrughan Sinha, actor-turned-politician, said on Thursday that he would not leave Mamata Banerjee, even in difficult times, emphasising that she had supported him during his

Shatrughan Sinha, actor-turned-politician, said on Thursday that he would not leave Mamata Banerjee, even in difficult times, emphasising that she had supported him during his own challenging period. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP from Asansol stated that while some people may have distanced themselves from Banerjee due to pressure, fear, or temptation, he remains committed to principle and will neither quit the party nor abandon its leadership, according to PTI. He said that, by nature, he has always been outspoken and that he often believes that if telling the truth is regarded as “rebellion”, then he too can be called a “rebel”. He further stated that he has always spoken openly and directly, never hesitating to call a “spade a spade”. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Is Shatrughan Sinha leaving the TMC rebel group? ⌵ No, Shatrughan Sinha has stated he will not leave the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and will remain committed to Mamata Banerjee, even during her difficult times.

2 Why is Shatrughan Sinha supporting Mamata Banerjee? ⌵ Sinha emphasizes that Mamata Banerjee supported him during his challenging times, making it his duty to stand by her during her current difficulties. 3 What recent developments are happening within the TMC? ⌵ The TMC is facing significant internal turmoil with multiple high-profile resignations, including Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik, amid growing dissent and speculation of a split. 4 How does the anti-defection law apply to TMC rebel MPs? ⌵ Under the anti-defection law, for rebel TMC MPs to not face disqualification, a merger must occur where at least two-thirds of the entire political party moves to another party, not just a bloc of MPs. 5 What prompted Kalyan Banerjee's ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee? ⌵ Kalyan Banerjee issued an ultimatum due to disagreements with Abhishek Banerjee's leadership, demanding that Mamata choose between him and her nephew to address the ongoing internal crises within the TMC. Also Read | TMC MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigns from Rajya Sabha, third exit in a week “For the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation about me.

Some people are speaking the truth, while others are spreading rumours. Some have claimed that I have joined the so-called rebel group. Yes, by nature, I have always been outspoken. I often say that if speaking the truth is considered rebellion, then I am also a rebel. I have always spoken frankly and called a spade a spade. But I want to state clearly that Mamata ji stood by me during my difficult times, and today, in her difficult phase, I cannot abandon her,” Sinha told PTI. He added, "I was elected on the Trinamool Congress symbol - the ‘Jora Phool’ - not once but twice, with the blessings of God. Therefore, it is my duty and responsibility to stand with Mamata ji and the Trinamool Congress...my principle is very clear: when Mamata ji stood by me in my difficult times, it is now my duty to stand by her in this moment as well.” He stressed that Banerjee is a resilient leader who continues to enjoy a 41% vote share in West Bengal despite the TMC's defeat in the recent assembly elections.