'Will not leave Mamata in difficult time': Shatrughan Sinha rubbishes speculation of quitting TMC

NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday affirmed his loyalty to Mamata Banerjee, saying he could not abandon her during a difficult phase after she stood by him when he faced political setbacks.

This comes as his name reportedly appeared among 19 rebel TMC MPs seeking to form a separate faction in Parliament.

"When I was going through a difficult phase after losing the Patna election in 2019, very few people stood by me. Mamata Banerjee was among the few who supported and encouraged me," Shatrughan Sinha said.

"She believed I should continue in public life without any gap in my parliamentary journey, and it was on her direction that I contested from Asansol. By God’s grace, and with the support of Mamata ji and the people of Asansol, I achieved victory. 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," he added.

Sinha further said that he is "grateful" to those who invited him to the rebel camp. He, however, added that his principled stand is to stand with Mamata."

"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," he said.

"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," Sinha added.

Weeks after suffering a bruising defeat in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's party has already witnessed a major split in the assembly and is now facing the threat of a vertical split in Parliament.

Earlier, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claimed that a large section of TMC MPs are prepared to part ways with Mamata Banerjee. Kakoli, who resigned from the party, has emerged as the face of the parliamentary rebellion.

The rebels insist they are not planning to formally join the BJP. "We will not join BJP. We will support NDA," Dastidar said.

A letter carrying the signatures of rebel MPs was reportedly submitted to the Speaker's office, although no formal acknowledgement has yet been made public.

The party had earlier faced a rebellion by its MLAs, with expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee stating that 58 TMC legislators have been given recognition in the Assembly as the opposition group.

Earlier in the day, Sinha also extended his wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years in office.

"In true sportsman spirit, wishing our friend & guide of society/nation hon'ble PM Narendra Modi best wishes on completing 12 years in office, perhaps the longest tenure, ever. Wish you a long, healthy & prosperous life ahead. Jai Hind!" Sinha wrote.

Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.