Opposition Stages Symbolic Walkout at All-Party Meeting Over Rebel TMC MPs

A political confrontation unfolded even before the start of Parliament's Monsoon Session as the entire opposition bloc staged a symbolic walkout from the all-party meeting on Sunday, protesting the Centre's decision to invite 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs to the customary discussions.

The opposition leaders also objected to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's recent decisions to allot separate seating to the rebel TMC lawmakers in the House and to approve the merger of rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde .

Speaking to reporters after the walkout, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the opposition had collectively decided to protest what it described as the Speaker's decisions regarding the rebel MPs from the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT).

CPI(M) leader John Brittas termed the invitation extended to the rebel TMC lawmakers a " miscarriage of justice ", arguing that it undermined the parent party's position.

The opposition's protest, however, remained symbolic. After staying away briefly, the leaders returned to the meeting hall and participated in the discussions on the government's legislative agenda for the upcoming Monsoon Session.

The controversy follows Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's decision to invite Sudip Bandyopadhyay , leader of the breakaway TMC faction, to the meeting after the group announced that it had joined the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI) .

A day earlier, Speaker Om Birla approved separate seating arrangements for the 20 rebel TMC MPs , distancing them from the parent Trinamool Congress in the Lok Sabha. However, parliamentary sources said no final decision has yet been taken on their demand to be formally recognised as members of the NCPI, with the matter still under consideration.

The Trinamool Congress has sought the disqualification of the rebel lawmakers, making the issue one of the key flashpoints ahead of the Monsoon Session. The customary all-party meeting is held before every parliamentary session to build consensus and ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses, but Sunday's developments highlighted the sharp political divisions likely to dominate the session.