'We are real TMC', Ritabrata rules out merger with Congress

"We are the real Trinamool Congress. We are not merging with the Congress," rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed ownership of the Trinamool Congress itself, declaring that the dissident camp was the "real TMC" and had no plans to merge with the grand old party. Claiming that the strength of the dissident bloc had risen from 58 to 64 MLAs, It may become 65 tomorrow when another MLA joins us. Ritabrata said the rebels enjoyed the support of a majority of the party's legislators and a growing number of MPs, and would continue to function under the Trinamool Congress banner. Ritabrata told reporters outside the state assembly in Kolkata. Who meets whom in Delhi is their matter and is immaterial for us," he said."Most legislators are not merging with the Congress. Most MPs are not merging with the Congress. Many district leaders and local body representatives are also not merging with the Congress. Then where is the question of a merger?" he asked. Ritabrata also reiterated that the rebel MPs in the Lok Sabha would continue to support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

#WATCH | Kolkata | West Bengal LoP and expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee says, "The count is currently 64 (MLAs). These people will come and submit a letter to the Speaker..."

He further says, "Regarding a merger, as for our legislative party, we are certainly not joining… pic.twitter.com/CAcZ5tHuxO

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2026

His remarks came amid heightened political speculation following Mamata Banerjee's meeting with Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and reports of consultations between Abhishek Banerjee and senior Congress leaders in the national capital.
According to sources, against this backdrop, the Delhi meetings between Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee and the Congress leadership have acquired added political significance, with speculation rife that sections of the TMC still loyal to the Banerjees could explore closer ties or a merger with the Congress.