Amid growing political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), actor-turned-politician and Asansol MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday firmly dismissed speculation about joining the rebel camp, asserting that he would stand by party supremo Mamata Banerjee during difficult times.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Sinha said he remains committed to the TMC and its leader, recalling how Banerjee supported him when he faced one of the most challenging phases of his political career.
“I am issuing a three-line whip to myself — I was with the TMC and Mamata ji, I am with the TMC and Mamata ji, and I will stay with the TMC and Mamata ji. I have no intention of going anywhere,” Sinha said.
His remarks come at a time when the TMC is grappling with an unprecedented internal rebellion following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Sinha’s name had recently figured in a purported list of rebel MPs circulating on social media, triggering speculation about his political future.
The rumours gained further traction after the former Union minister posted a message on X congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years in office.
“In true sportsman spirit, wishing our friend and guide of society and nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, best wishes on completing 12 years in office. Wish you a long, healthy and prosperous life ahead. Jai Hind!” Sinha wrote.
Clarifying his position, Sinha said maintaining cordial relations across party lines should not be misconstrued as a political shift.
“I have friends in every political party, but that does not mean I will leave Mamata Banerjee. Some people are speaking the truth, while others are spreading rumours. Some have claimed that I have joined the rebel group, which is completely incorrect,” he said.
The veteran politician recalled that Banerjee stood by him after his defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Patna Sahib, a gesture he said he would never forget.
“Very few people supported me when I lost, or rather was made to lose, the election. Mamata Banerjee was one of them. I cannot desert her in her difficult times,” he said.
Sinha, who joined the TMC after stints with both the BJP and Congress, credited Banerjee, the party and the people of Asansol for his electoral success.
“I won on the symbol of ‘jora phul’ (the TMC symbol), so it is my duty to stand by the party. My principle is very clear — when Mamata ji stood by me in difficult times, it is now my responsibility to stand by her,” he said.
While acknowledging that he had received invitations to join the rebel camp, Sinha said he had declined them.
“I am grateful to those who invited me, and I have no complaints against anyone. But my principled stand is to remain with Mamata Banerjee. As of now, I will not change my path,” he added.
Describing Banerjee as a “street fighter,” Sinha noted that despite the party’s electoral setback, she still commands significant public support in West Bengal.
The TMC has been facing a severe crisis since its Assembly election defeat. More than two-thirds of its MLAs — 58 out of 80 legislators — have reportedly broken away from the official legislature party and secured recognition as the principal opposition bloc in the West Bengal Assembly under expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee.
The rebellion has also spread to Parliament, with dissident MPs led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claiming the support of more than 20 Lok Sabha members. Amid these developments, Sinha’s public endorsement of Banerjee offers a boost to the embattled TMC leadership as it attempts to contain the growing revolt within its ranks.
