TMC split: Lok Sabha Speaker invites Abhishek Banerjee for meeting at 5 pm on June 19

Published 17 June 2026 · politics

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invited Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee for a meeting on June 19 to present his case on the split

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invited Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee for a meeting on June 19 to present his case on the split in the Mamata Banerjee-led party, as per a letter from the Lok Sabha Secretariat. However, sources in Trinamool Congress told news agency PTI that the party has not received any communication from the Speaker's Office until 3 pm. In a letter to MP Abhishek Banerjee, Lok Sabha Secretariat said, “This is with reference to your mail dated 16 June, 2026 addressed to Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha wherein you have requested for a fresh date and time to present your case before the Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha.” Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is the purpose of the meeting between Lok Sabha Speaker and Abhishek Banerjee? ⌵ The meeting aims to allow Abhishek Banerjee to present his case regarding the split in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. 2 Why are the rebel MPs seeking recognition as a separate group? ⌵ The rebel MPs, after merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), are seeking recognition to establish their political identity separate from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. 3 How is the issue of recognition for the TMC faction expected to be resolved?

⌵ Speaker Om Birla will hear arguments from both the rebel MPs and Mamata Banerjee's group before deciding on recognition, likely consulting legal opinions on the defection matter. 4 Should the Lok Sabha Speaker grant recognition to the breakaway TMC faction? ⌵ The decision hinges on legal interpretations of the anti-defection law, and it remains to be seen if the Speaker will accept their plea given the constitutional guidelines. 5 What argument does Abhishek Banerjee present against the recognition of the rebel group? ⌵ Banerjee contends that the Constitution and anti-defection laws do not allow the formation of a separate faction within an existing political party. “In this connection, it is intimated that Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha has kindly acceded to your request,” the letter stated. The Lok Sabha Secretariat asked Banerjee to meet the Speaker in his official Chamber in Parliament House of India at 5 PM on June 19. “Accordingly, you are requested to present your case before Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, in his official Chamber in Parliament House of India on 19.6.2026 at 5 P.M,” it added. Earlier, it was reported that Speaker Om Birla will hear both sides — the 20 defected TMC MPs as well as the faction led by Mamata Banerjee — before deciding on giving recognition to the breakaway faction.