New Delhi | July 18, 2026: Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, veteran parliamentarian Sudip Bandyopadhyay attended the government’s all-party meeting as the leader of the newly formed Nationalist Citizen Party of India (NCPI), marking his first official appearance after parting ways with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Addressing reporters before the meeting, Bandyopadhyay said the occasion marked a significant political transition in his parliamentary career.

“I am attending today as the leader of a new political party, NCPI – Nationalist Citizen Party of India. For the last 15 years, I served as the leader of the Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party. Today, I will represent a new party.”

Despite the change in political affiliation, he asserted that the NCPI would continue to champion the role of the Opposition in Parliament while supporting the smooth functioning of both Houses.

“House Belongs to the Opposition”

Bandyopadhyay emphasized that Parliament should remain a platform where the Opposition can effectively raise public issues.

“The policy of the new party is that the House belongs to the Opposition. This idea should be allowed to be reflected. Let the House run, and at the same time, the Opposition must have the opportunity to voice the concerns of the people.”

He further reiterated the party’s ideological commitment to secularism, communal harmony, and national unity, stating that these principles would guide the NCPI’s approach during the Monsoon Session.

“We are firm believers in secularism, communal harmony, and the unity of the country. We are not deviating from this path, and I will reflect these values during the meeting. We are completely secular by nature.”

Responds to Abhishek Banerjee’s Appeal

When asked about Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee’s appeal to party legislators and Members of Parliament, Bandyopadhyay declined to speculate on its impact.

“He has appealed individually. MPs or MLAs will take their own decision.”

His remarks indicate that elected representatives will independently decide their political future amid the evolving political landscape in West Bengal.

The all-party meeting was convened by the Central Government to discuss the legislative agenda and seek cooperation from political parties for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where several important bills and national issues are expected to be taken up for discussion.