Kolkata, June 8:
TMC leaders on Sunday asserted that any attempt by its MPs to break away and form a faction would face significant legal and procedural hurdles under the anti-defection law.
There are reports that a section of TMC MPs is attempting to mobilise support for a possible breakaway from the party’s parliamentary wing.
Sources familiar with the developments said the rebel leaders were trying to gather support among MPs in both Houses of Parliament, and there are speculations that a breakaway faction could seek recognition if it manages to secure the backing of the required number of parliamentarians.
A TMC leader said the party currently has 28 members in the Lok Sabha and any move under the anti-defection law would require the support of at least two-thirds of the parliamentary party, or 19 MPs.
However, another senior party functionary argued that even securing that number would not automatically enable the rebel faction to function as a separate parliamentary group, and will have to join some party.
“As per the law, even if two-thirds of MPs wish to leave a party, the only choice they have is to merge with another political party. There is no provision for a separate group,” the leader said.