In a significant development within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a faction of 20 rebel Members of Parliament (MPs) is preparing to file a defamation lawsuit against their party colleague, Mahua Moitra. This legal action stems from Moitra’s allegations that these MPs were offered bribes totaling ₹40 crore to defect from the party.
**Background of the Allegations**
The controversy began when Moitra, a prominent TMC leader and vocal supporter of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, responded to claims by Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut. Raut alleged that Maharashtra MPs were being offered ₹15 crore each to switch allegiances. In a retort, Moitra suggested that her colleagues received a more substantial offer, stating, “Only 15 cr? Saste mein kyo jaa rahe hai? Believe ours got ₹4 cr up front and ₹1 cr a month for next 36 months of term.”
**Formation of the Rebel Group**
Following these allegations, a significant shift occurred within the TMC’s parliamentary unit. On June 17, 2026, 20 of the party’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Chief Whip Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, broke away to form a separate group. This move was perceived as a substantial challenge to the party’s cohesion and leadership.
**Rebel MPs’ Response**
In response to Moitra’s bribery allegations, the rebel MPs convened and unanimously decided to initiate a defamation suit against her. They contend that her statements are baseless and have tarnished their reputations. The MPs argue that such unfounded accusations undermine their integrity and the democratic process.
**Legal Proceedings and Political Implications**
The impending defamation suit is poised to escalate the internal strife within the TMC. Legal experts anticipate that the case will delve into the veracity of Moitra’s claims and the circumstances surrounding the MPs’ decision to break away. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s future dynamics and its standing in national politics.
**Moitra’s Position**
Moitra has remained steadfast in her allegations, asserting that the rebel MPs were indeed offered substantial sums to defect. She maintains that her statements were made in the interest of transparency and accountability. Moitra’s unwavering stance suggests that she anticipates a protracted legal confrontation.
**Broader Context**
This development is part of a series of legal challenges faced by Moitra. In March 2024, her former partner, Jai Anant Dehadrai, filed a defamation case against her, alleging that she made false and defamatory statements about him. The Delhi High Court dismissed her plea seeking to restrain BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai from posting “fake and defamatory” content against her.
**Conclusion**
The situation within the TMC is rapidly evolving, with the impending defamation suit against Mahua Moitra marking a new chapter in the party’s internal conflicts. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the developments, which are set to influence the political landscape in West Bengal and beyond.
