Kolkata, 11 June (H.S.) : Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of 12 years in office, describing him as a “friend and guide of society and the nation.”

In a post on social media platform X, Sinha wished the Prime Minister a long, healthy, and prosperous life, while also acknowledging what he termed as one of the longest tenures in India’s political history.

“In true sportsman spirit, wishing our friend & guide of society/nation, Hon’ble PM @narendramodi, best wishes on completing 12 years in office, perhaps the longest tenure ever. Wish you a long, healthy & prosperous life ahead. Jai Hind!” Sinha wrote.

The remarks have drawn attention amid reports suggesting that Sinha is among several TMC MPs allegedly linked to a group of “rebel” lawmakers in the Lok Sabha who may be inclined towards the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The development comes at a time when the TMC is reportedly witnessing internal friction, with sections of MPs and MLAs expressing dissatisfaction with the party leadership, particularly over organisational issues.

Political observers note that Sinha’s message is significant given the current climate of political realignments and tensions within the party.

Sinha, who has had a long political career spanning multiple parties, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the early 1980s and later served as a Union Minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He was elected twice as Member of Parliament from Patna Sahib before parting ways with the BJP.

He later joined the Indian National Congress and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but was defeated. Ahead of the polls, he also participated in a major opposition rally organised by TMC leadership in Kolkata.

In 2022, Sinha won the Asansol Lok Sabha by-election on a TMC ticket and retained the seat in the 2024 general elections.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh