New Delhi, June 19 -- Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday hit out at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) amid its internal crisis involving rebel MPs, saying there is "heavy resentment" against the party in West Bengal and that elected representatives have the right to take their own decisions.

Responding to allegations made by TMC MP Saugata Roy that the BJP "lures and threatens" leaders, Vaishnaw said, "Look, TMC MPs should be asked if they are even able to go to their own areas? There is such heavy resentment against TMC in Bengal. The way TMC MPs, through syndicates, have troubled the public, today the public has given its answer."

He added that democratic rights allow MPs to take independent decisions.

"And in a democracy, ...