Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a prominent leader in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a medical professional, has become a central figure in a significant rebellion within the party. Nearly 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs have publicly declared their support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), challenging the authority of party leader Mamata Banerjee. Dastidar, who has a political association with Banerjee spanning nearly five decades, has represented the Barasat constituency multiple times since 2009 and has been an advocate for public health and social welfare issues in Parliament. Her political ascent included roles such as deputy leader of the TMC parliamentary party and chief whip, but recent internal strife led to her removal from the latter position. Despite this, Dastidar contends that her removal was not officially communicated, thus maintaining her claim as the valid chief whip. The rebel faction's move is significant, as it claims enough support to meet the two-thirds threshold for protection under the anti-defection law, indicating a potential shift in the TMC's parliamentary dynamics.