Speaking to ANI, the veteran leader declared, "Mera sar katega lekin jhukega nahi" (My head may be cut off, but I will not bow), as she defended her decision to break ranks with the party she has been associated with for four decades.

Rejecting criticism over her rebellion, Dastidar said she had endured enough and would not be intimidated. "I have been fighting here for 40 years... the words of such people have absolutely no effect on me," she told ANI.

Claims 20 MPs have sought separate seating in Parliament

The Barasat MP reiterated her claim that a group of 20 Trinamool MPs has approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking separate seating arrangements in Parliament, a move widely seen as a precursor to a formal split within the party.

"We are 20 MPs who have requested the Speaker for separate seating, and we will be working in conjunction with the Central and State Government for the development of West Bengal," she said.

According to Dastidar, the group intends to pursue a political path focused on Bengal's development while prioritising national security and governance.

Targets TMC over 'lawlessness' and unemployment

Explaining her decision to rebel, Dastidar accused the state government of failing to address key issues.

"We are against the lawlessness, misgovernance and unemployment in the state of West Bengal over the past few years. Things have been getting from bad to worse," she said.

She further argued that her actions were motivated by concerns that went beyond party politics.

"The issue of the nation is paramount to us... We want to work for Bengal, for the country, and to keep India secure," she told ANI.

Also read: TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy quits party as Mamata Banerjee's grip on parliamentarians appears to slip

Expresses disappointment with Mamata Banerjee leadership

Dastidar also revealed her frustration with the party leadership, claiming she received no support after stepping down from a key organisational role following the party's electoral setback.

"I took personal responsibility for the poor outcome... and stepped down. Even after that, no one met me or even called; I was simply cast aside," she said.

In a particularly sharp attack, the MP said she never imagined that her long political association with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would deteriorate to the current level.

"I have been with Mamata Banerjee for 40 years. I never imagined I would live to see a day when she would instruct someone to hurl abuse at me," Dastidar alleged.

Suvendu Adhikari visits Satabdi Roy's residence in Delhi

Adding to the political intrigue surrounding the unfolding crisis, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari arrived at the Delhi residence of TMC MP Satabdi Roy on Monday.

The visit has fuelled speculation about ongoing political realignments amid reports of growing unrest within the Trinamool Congress.

While details of the meeting were not immediately available, the development comes at a time when several leaders are publicly questioning the party's direction and leadership.

Major challenge for TMC

The rebellion comes amid mounting unrest within the Trinamool Congress following its recent electoral setback in West Bengal.

If Dastidar's claim of support from 20 MPs is accurate, the dissident faction could potentially meet the threshold required under anti-defection provisions to avoid disqualification.

The developments mark one of the most serious internal challenges faced by the party in recent years, raising fresh questions about its unity and future parliamentary strength.