Senior Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday firmly dismissed reports linking him to the party’s rebel camp and reiterated his loyalty to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Speaking amid growing unrest within the Trinamool Congress, Sinha said he had no plans to leave the party and credited Banerjee for supporting him during a difficult period in his political career.
“I was with Mamata Banerjee, I am with Mamata Banerjee, and I will remain with Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress,” Sinha said, calling it a “three-line whip” he had imposed on himself.
Refuting claims that he was part of a group of rebel MPs, Sinha said no one had approached him and that he had not signed any letter expressing support for the BJP-led NDA.
“Some people may call me a rebel because I speak my mind, but my name should not be associated with this group,” he said.
Recalling his political journey, Sinha said Banerjee stood by him when he faced setbacks after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He noted that she gave him the opportunity to contest from Asansol, which helped revive his political career.
“When I was going through a tough phase, Mamata ji supported me. I cannot abandon her during challenging times,” he said.
Asked about Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Sinha said Mamata Banerjee remained the only leader he recognised within the party.
“I know Abhishek Banerjee well, but my leader has always been Mamata Banerjee. I take guidance from her and will continue to do so,” he said.
Sinha also dismissed suggestions that the Trinamool Congress was facing an existential crisis, saying differences of opinion are common in political parties and should not automatically be viewed as signs of a split.
He described Mamata Banerjee as a grassroots leader with strong public support and said she continues to command significant backing among voters in West Bengal.
Commenting on reports of rebel MPs and MLAs, Sinha said he was surprised to see his name included in the alleged list. He suggested some leaders may have acted under pressure or due to political compulsions but declined to speculate further.
On speculation about closer ties between the Trinamool Congress and the Congress, Sinha said he was unaware of any merger discussions. However, he added that cooperation between Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi would be beneficial for the opposition and the country.
His remarks come as the Trinamool Congress faces one of its biggest internal challenges, with several MPs and MLAs reportedly distancing themselves from the party leadership following its recent electoral setback in West Bengal.