The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a deepening political crisis as its Rajya Sabha ranks suffer a major collapse. Amidst intense political turmoil over the past few days, Prakash Chik Baraik, a prominent North Bengal leader, has become the third TMC Rajya Sabha MP to resign this week, following the departures of Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Sushmita Dev. This latest resignation has reduced the TMC`s strength in the Rajya Sabha to just 10 members.
Baraik formally submitted his resignation to Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan at 11:00 AM on Thursday. Recognized as a key figure among the party’s youth leadership, Baraik was known to be a close confidant of TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The party leadership had nominated him to the Rajya Sabha in 2023 and even fielded him as a candidate for the Alipurduar constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, though he remained unsuccessful.
There had been significant speculation about Baraik playing a pivotal role in strengthening the party`s organization in North Bengal, with internal discussions even touching upon his potential candidacy for the upcoming assembly elections. Given these expectations, his sudden departure has sparked widespread questions. Baraik has yet to make a public statement regarding the reasons behind his decision, leaving political analysts and party insiders to speculate whether this is a personal choice or the precursor to a larger political shift.
Political observers note that the resignation of three experienced MPs within a single week represents a severe blow to the TMC. The cumulative nature of these exits highlights a growing internal crisis and a potential breakdown of trust within the party hierarchy. The departure of individuals once considered close to the top leadership underscores the magnitude of the instability currently plaguing the party. As the political landscape in West Bengal remains volatile, the mystery surrounding Baraik`s silence continues to fuel rumors, with observers waiting to see if his exit signals a broader realignment in the state’s political order.
