New Delhi: Veteran actor and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday dismissed reports that linked him to the party’s rebel faction and reaffirmed
his loyalty to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Speculation about Sinha’s political future surfaced after he congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media for becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister. His post triggered discussions because reports suggested that he was among the signatories to a letter submitted by a group ofrebel TMC leaders to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Posting on X, Sinha wrote, “In true sportsman spirit, wishing our friend & guide of society/nation hon’ble PM @narendramodi best wishes on completing 12 years in office, perhaps the longest tenure, ever. Wish you a long, healthy & prosperous life ahead. Jai Hind!”
The post also tagged TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, which further fueled speculation about his political position within the party.
Denies links with rebel faction
As questions grew over his alleged association with the rebel camp led by TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Sinha rejected the claims outright.
“Too many things have been said about me. Some are saying that I am part of the rebel group. All this is not true,” the Asansol MP clarified, insisting that he will never leave Mamata Banerjee.
His statement came at a time when the Trinamool Congress is facing internal challenges following recent political developments in West Bengal.
Reaffirms support for Mamata Banerjee
Sinha also spoke about the support he received from the TMC chief and said that he remains committed to her leadership.
“Mamata Banerjee stood with me during bad times. I will stand with her during tough times.”
The veteran politician added that he entered electoral politics in West Bengal at Banerjee’s request and remains grateful for the opportunity.
Adding that he contested Lok Sabha election from Asansol on the Trinamool chief’s insistence, Sinha said that he will “never leave Didi”.
From BJP leader to TMC MP
Shatrughan Sinha began his political journey with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served as a Union minister. After spending decades in the party, he left the BJP citing ideological differences.
He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Patna Sahib on a Congress ticket but suffered defeat. In 2022, he joined the Trinamool Congress and won the Asansol Lok Sabha by-election. He retained the seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a TMC candidate.
His latest remarks seek to put an end to speculation about his political future and reaffirm his commitment to Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress.
