In a major setback for Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has resigned from the party, further highlighting the turbulence within the organisation.

Roy’s departure comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is facing one of the most challenging phases in its recent political history. The party has been dealing with growing internal dissent and criticism from several leaders following its electoral setbacks and organisational turmoil.

The Rajya Sabha member had recently voiced strong concerns about the party’s future and leadership. In public remarks made in recent weeks, he questioned the direction of the organisation and expressed doubts about its long-term prospects.

Roy, a senior parliamentarian who has represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha since 2011, had long been considered one of the prominent voices of the Trinamool Congress in Parliament. His resignation is likely to add pressure on the party leadership as it seeks to contain growing unrest among sections of its leaders and legislators.

Resignation adds to concerns over party unity

The development comes amid continuing speculation over divisions within the Trinamool Congress’s parliamentary ranks. Party leaders have been engaged in efforts to maintain unity and prevent further exits as concerns over defections continue to dominate political discussions.

In recent days, several leaders associated with the party have publicly expressed dissatisfaction or stepped away from organisational responsibilities, fuelling debate about the party’s internal situation.

Political implications

Roy’s resignation is significant because of his long association with the Trinamool Congress and his role in Parliament. Political observers believe the move could encourage further debate within the party and intensify scrutiny of the leadership’s strategy in the aftermath of recent political developments in West Bengal.

The Trinamool Congress leadership is expected to focus on limiting the impact of the resignation while attempting to reassure party workers and supporters about the organisation’s future direction.

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has reportedly removed a newly deployed security team from her residence after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to several political leaders in the state.

The move came days after a security review resulted in changes to the protection arrangements of several politicians, including RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to reports, Rabri Devi expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the Z-plus security cover that had previously been provided to her and her husband.

Security cover revised after government review

The Bihar government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for a number of political leaders. Following the assessment, the security category of some leaders was altered based on the recommendations of security agencies.

As part of the exercise, the Z-plus cover earlier available to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi was reportedly withdrawn. Revised security arrangements were subsequently put in place by the administration.

However, reports suggest that Rabri Devi was unhappy with the changes and directed the newly assigned personnel to leave her residence.

Tejashwi Yadav also takes similar step

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is also reported to have objected to the revised security deployment. According to sources, he too asked the newly assigned security personnel to leave.

The development has triggered political discussion in Bihar, with the RJD questioning the rationale behind the changes in security arrangements for members of the Yadav family.

Political reactions expected

The security review comes at a time when Bihar’s political environment remains active ahead of upcoming electoral battles. While the state government has maintained that security decisions are based on assessments by agencies and established protocols, opposition leaders are expected to raise questions over the timing and nature of the changes.

No official indication has emerged suggesting a reversal of the revised security arrangements so far.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the organisation held a demonstration over examination and recruitment-related concerns. The protest took place under heightened security arrangements, with police detaining six individuals during the course of the gathering.

Supporters assembled at the designated protest venue to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The demonstration marked a significant public mobilisation by the organisation, which has gained attention in recent months through campaigns focused on issues affecting students and job aspirants.

Six detained amid tight security arrangements

Police maintained a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas ahead of the protest. Security personnel were deployed to monitor the gathering and ensure law and order during the demonstration.

According to reports, six protesters were detained during the event. Authorities closely monitored the situation as participants continued to gather at the venue. Despite the detentions, the protest remained largely peaceful.

Dipke joined supporters at the site and reiterated the group’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment systems. Protesters also voiced concerns over issues related to educational governance and opportunities for young job seekers.

Protest highlights concerns of students and job aspirants

The demonstration drew participants from different regions who gathered to express concerns over examination-related controversies and recruitment processes. Organisers maintained that the protest was intended to be a peaceful and democratic expression of public grievances.

Addressing supporters, Dipke stressed the importance of continuing the movement through constitutional means and public engagement. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting their demands for reforms and greater accountability.

The event was held after authorities granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, one of the capital’s designated venues for public protests. Security remained in place throughout the programme as officials monitored developments.