The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has lost control of two major Parliamentary standing committees following a reconstitution announced by Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
In the reshuffle, BJP’s Sudhanshu Trivedi was appointed chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce, replacing TMC leader Dola Sen. Meanwhile, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who heads TMC’s rebel faction, replaced her former colleague Kirti Azad as chairperson of the Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers.
The changes mark a significant setback for the TMC, which had used its positions to influence debates on trade, industry, and social welfare policies. The reshuffle also reflects the BJP’s growing consolidation of Parliamentary committees, while ensuring representation for allies. Leaders from JD(U), Shiv Sena, and TDP have been retained as heads of other panels, signalling the importance of coalition partners in the current political landscape.
Parliamentary standing committees play a crucial role in scrutinising government policies, bills, and expenditure. Losing chairpersonship of two influential panels reduces TMC’s leverage in shaping legislative discussions, especially on commerce and welfare‑related sectors.
The reconstitution underscores the shifting balance of power in Parliament, with the BJP and its allies tightening their grip on key committees ahead of crucial legislative sessions.
