Staff Reporter / New Delhi
In a significant political development, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday met Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the national capital.
The meeting, which lasted for nearly an hour, is understood to have focused on the future course of the opposition INDIA bloc and ways to strengthen coordination among its constituent parties ahead of upcoming political challenges.
The meeting assumes significance as Banerjee is reportedly facing mounting pressure within her party amid signs of internal dissent. Political observers believe the developments within the Trinamool Congress have prompted fresh efforts to explore political options and consolidate opposition unity.
According to sources, Banerjee faces a narrowing political window as a section of party leaders continues to challenge her leadership. Sources claimed that a rebel faction led by TMC MP Kakoli Dastidar is preparing to stake its claim over the party and may extend support to the NDA.
Sources further indicated that Dastidar is likely to meet the Lok Sabha Speaker on Wednesday to press her faction’s claim as the “real” Trinamool Congress. The rebel group is said to have the backing of 17 MPs, falling short of the two-thirds strength required under anti-defection provisions.
No official statement was issued by either side after the meeting. Banerjee arrived for the talks without any senior party colleague. Sources said Rahul Gandhi was present throughout the discussions along with Sonia Gandhi.