Trinamool Congress MP Prakash Chik Barik Resigns from Rajya Sabha

In a significant development for the Trinamool Congress party, Prakash Chik Barik has resigned from the Rajya Sabha and the party organisation on June 11, 2026. This resignation represents a further blow to the party's representation in the Upper House, bringing its total to ten members from thirteen.

Barik, a 46-year-old politician from Alipurduar, submitted his resignation letter to Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan earlier on Thursday. His term in the Rajya Sabha began on August 19, 2023, and was set to conclude on August 18, 2029. There has been no public explanation given for his resignation.

Previously, he had contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 from the Alipurduar (Scheduled Tribe) constituency but was defeated by Manoj Tigga from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following his resignation, Barik stated, "People have given a clear mandate. People have favoured the BJP over TMC. Our party’s result was not even good in northern Bengal." He indicated that he had not consulted with Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress, about his decision. He further mentioned plans to adhere to the instructions of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and focus on development efforts.

The resignation arrives in the wake of earlier exits from the party, with Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Roy also resigning on June 10 and June 8, respectively. This shift has prompted speculation regarding a faction of at least 20 MPs from the party who may be seeking to establish a separate bloc aligned with the National Democratic Alliance, of which the BJP is a leading member.

Additionally, the party is currently experiencing dissent within its Assembly wing, particularly led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. Reports suggest he commands the backing of 60 out of 80 MLAs in support of his proposal to position himself as the Leader of the Opposition instead of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.

The recent movements within the Trinamool Congress highlight an ongoing crisis, as its political dynamics continue to evolve amidst changing voter sentiments and internal party relations.