NCPI leader opposes merger with rebel MPs, says move sets ‘bad precedent’

Differences have emerged within the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) following the decision of 20 dissident Trinamool Congress MPs to associate themselves with the party. NCPI National Organising Secretary and founder-member Shantanu Dey publicly questioned the move, stating that he did not support accommodating the rebel MPs and describing the development as a "bad precedent". Dey also claimed that the decision was taken without consultation with several senior party functionaries, including members of the legal cell, spokespersons and other organisational leaders.

Speaking about the origins of the party, Dey said the NCPI was conceived in 2022 after discussions among social activists, human rights workers and individuals from different political backgrounds who believed a platform focused on citizens' rights was needed. According to him, the organisation was initially built in Tripura before being formally registered in 2023. He said he played a central role in establishing the party, including designing its symbol and flag, drafting its constitution and overseeing organisational expansion.

Dey stated that he first learned about the reported merger through phone calls from party leaders and information circulating on social media. He claimed that party president Shiuli Kundu and other office-bearers proceeded with discussions regarding the rebel MPs without consulting a wider section of the organisation. According to him, party members were dissatisfied because no formal internal discussion had been held before such an important political decision was announced. He maintained that decisions affecting the future of the organisation should be taken collectively and in accordance with the party constitution.

According to Dey, the NCPI was founded on principles of human rights, social justice and citizen welfare. He said the party's election symbol, an ink pen nib accompanied by seven strokes, was designed to represent the seven fundamental rights of citizens. Dey added that many members of the organisation come from social service and non-governmental sectors and have worked on issues related to public rights and welfare. He also stated that while he had been associated with the RSS since childhood and received support from BJP workers during the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections, the NCPI functions as an independent political organisation.

Dey further claimed that members of the dissident Trinamool camp had directly approached NCPI leaders regarding the merger proposal. He said the party's full membership had not yet taken a final collective position on the matter and that broader consultations were expected before any formal decision was endorsed by the organisation. The NCPI currently has a limited presence in West Bengal, including members and an office in Howrah, and has not contested elections in the state. According to Dey, party members are seeking internal discussions on the issue before announcing their official stand on the entry of the rebel MPs.