Kolkata: In what could trigger a fresh fault line within Trinamool’s camp of rebel MPs, who recently aligned with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), differences have emerged over whether to embrace the obscure party’s symbol or seek control of TMC’s twin-flower-and-grass symbol.
The issue, along with the growing social media backlash they have faced since breaking ranks with TMC, figured prominently at a meeting of the dissident parliamentarians at Birbhum MP Satabdi Roy’s Kolkata home on Thursday. A range of political and organisational topics, too, figured in the talks.
While a section of MPs is prepared to contest future elections under NCPI’s symbol of a pen nib with seven rays, another group believes it should move legally to stake claim to the TMC symbol.
“It was an internal meeting. Nothing final has been decided about taking a legal route to claim the symbol. It depends on everyone’s views and the discussions,” Roy told TOI.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of a political and legal response to Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra remarks, who has alleged that the rebels accepted money before switching sides. “Those who are making these claims have no proof. Allegations without evidence are unjust. We are examining the matter but no decision has been taken yet regarding legal action,” Roy added.
The discussions also came amid increasing pressure on the rebels, several of whom are reportedly facing hostility from grassroots TMC workers in their constituencies. Concerned over the intensity of online trolling and criticism, a few have even admitted difficulty in returning to their constituencies after the dramatic split.
One rebel MP admitted that the decision to leave TMC had triggered emotional reactions among party workers but expressed confidence that public opinion would eventually shift. “Many workers do not know the full picture. Once they understand the reality, their position may change. They have assured me that they will stand by me irrespective of my political affiliation,” the MP said.
Mathurapur MP Bapi Halder, admitting the sudden shift, said: “This is the time to observe, be in ‘silent mode’ rather than take decisions or engage in discussions or planning. I will hold a meeting with our CM to discuss the assistance we will need for our constituency.”
Midnapore MP June Malia, who was not present at Thursday’s meeting, said she would abide by whatever decision senior parliamentarians ultimately take. Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar remained unavailable for comment but posted a cryptic message on Facebook: “Every ending contains a new beginning.”
Sources in NCPI said a delegation of rebel MPs is likely to travel to Delhi to explore legal options for approaching the Election Commission and courts over the symbol issue.
TMC veteran Sougata Ray, however, dismissed the rebels’ position and questioned the legitimacy of their political strategy. “Any dispute over the party symbol will be decided by the Election Commission under the Symbols Reservation Order, 1968, and not by Parliament,” he said.