Yusuf Pathan faces scrutiny over political allegiances, according to Hindustan Times.
What happened
Yusuf Pathan, a former cricketer and current Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP from Baharampur, is in the spotlight as party leaders suggest he may defect to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This turmoil coincides with a split in the TMC’s Lok Sabha unit, where a faction claims support from nearly 20 MPs.
The first public challenge to Pathan came from TMC’s Mahua Moitra, who criticized his loyalty. “You played for India. Our district voted you in with a huge margin,” Moitra said on X. She urged Pathan to demonstrate courage amid the faction’s rebellion.
Kalyan Banerjee, TMC’s Lok Sabha chief whip, corroborated that Pathan spoke to him on June 8, stating he would meet Union Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Banerjee labeled Shah as a figure “working to break the TMC.” Despite these allegations, Pathan has not confirmed any ties to the rebellion against TMC leadership.
Why it matters
The movement within the TMC highlights potential volatility in West Bengal politics. Should the rebel faction succeed in securing the numbers needed to challenge Mamata Banerjee, it could destabilize the party’s influence in Lok Sabha, which may shift the political landscape further in favor of the NDA.
Background
On June 4, 2026, reports emerged that Mamata Banerjee sought to return to the Lok Sabha by asking Pathan to vacate his seat. However, Pathan reportedly declined her request. The drama has escalated, leading to speculation about Pathan’s political loyalty.
On June 6, former cricketer Sourav Ganguly denied having conveyed any such request from Banerjee to Pathan. Pathan’s recent silence and the growing rebellion could impact future leadership within the TMC.
What’s next
The TMC is facing a critical juncture as it anticipates responses from discontented MPs. Key events and decisions regarding the rebellion will likely unfold in the coming weeks, particularly as members gauge the feasibility of forming a separate bloc within the Lok Sabha.
