Senior TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Resigns from Rajya Sabha and Party
Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, a senior Trinamool Congress MP, resigned from both the Rajya Sabha and the party on June 8, 2026, citing corruption and lack of introspection following the party's defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. Ray, 77, had been a dissenting voice within TMC and raised concerns about party direction and governance failures. His resignation signals deepening internal divisions within the party, with speculation that more MPs may follow and approximately 60 MLAs having already elected a new Leader of Opposition.
Senior Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray announced his resignation from the Rajya Sabha and the party on Monday, June 8, 2026, becoming the first TMC MP to resign following the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. Ray, who had served in the Rajya Sabha since 2011 and held positions including Deputy Leader and Chief Whip, cited multiple grievances including corruption within the party, lack of introspection after electoral losses, and absence of internal forums to discuss political and social issues. His resignation comes amid broader party turmoil, with approximately 60 MLAs having already elected a new Leader of Opposition, indicating significant rebellion within the legislature party. Ray had previously criticized the party's handling of the rape and murder case at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College Hospital and expressed concerns about the party's governance across education, health, industry, employment, and law and order. Political observers suggest his departure may trigger further defections among TMC MPs, intensifying questions about the party's stability and direction.
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