Rebel TMC MP Basunia Claims 17 of 20 NCPI MPs to Join BJP; Fellow Rebels and Ruling Party Deny
Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Basunia has claimed that 17 of the 20 MPs belonging to the National Congress People's Initiative (NCPI) are preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, fellow rebel leaders and the ruling party have rejected the claim, creating uncertainty over the reported political realignment.
Written by
Jyoti Mukherjee

Basunia Makes BJP-Joining Claim
A political controversy has emerged after rebel TMC MP Basunia claimed that a large majority of National Congress People's Initiative (NCPI) MPs are preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.
According to Basunia, as many as 17 of the 20 NCPI MPs could switch allegiance to the BJP. The claim, however, has not been accepted by other members of the political group, who have denied that such a mass defection is taking place.
Fellow Rebel Leaders Reject the Claim
Basunia's fellow rebels have disputed his statement regarding the alleged move to the BJP. They have maintained that there is no decision by 17 NCPI MPs to change political affiliation.
The conflicting statements have added to uncertainty surrounding the political developments and the future alignment of the MPs.
Ruling Party Denies Mass Defection
The ruling party has also rejected Basunia's claim. Party representatives have disputed the suggestion that a large group of NCPI MPs is preparing to join the BJP.
The denial means that, at present, the reported mass switch remains a political claim rather than a confirmed development.
BJP Remains at the Centre of the Controversy
The Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the central focus of the dispute because Basunia has specifically claimed that the NCPI MPs would move to the BJP.
A large-scale political shift involving 17 MPs would have significant implications for the balance of power and the political landscape. However, confirmation from the MPs themselves or an official announcement would be required before the reported move could be considered established.
Why the Claim Matters
Claims of mass defections can have major political consequences, particularly when they involve a substantial number of elected representatives.
If Basunia's claim were to materialise, it could strengthen the BJP's position while weakening the NCPI's parliamentary presence. The denials from fellow rebels and the ruling party, however, indicate that the situation remains fluid.
Political Uncertainty Continues
The dispute highlights the continuing political tensions surrounding rival factions and shifting alliances. Statements from individual leaders can quickly generate speculation about possible changes in parliamentary strength, but such claims need to be distinguished from formally announced political decisions.
For now, the disagreement between Basunia and other political representatives has left the reported BJP move unresolved.
What Happens Next
The next significant development is likely to be any formal announcement by the MPs allegedly considering a switch. Until such a declaration is made, Basunia's claim remains contested.
Political observers are expected to closely monitor statements from the NCPI, rebel representatives, the ruling party and the BJP for further clarification.
Conclusion
Rebel TMC MP Basunia's claim that 17 of 20 NCPI MPs are set to join the BJP has triggered a political controversy. Fellow rebels and the ruling party have denied the allegation, leaving the reported mass defection unconfirmed.
The situation could have wider political implications if the proposed switch takes place, but further official clarification will be necessary to establish whether the claimed realignment will actually occur.
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