India, June 11 -- With several lawmakers exiting the Trinamool Congress and speculation mounting over further defections, the party is facing one of its biggest political challenges in recent years.

Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra in an interview with HT has dismissed claims that the rebel camp has the support of 20 MPs, arguing that if such numbers existed, "there would have been a letter out" and a public show of strength by now.

Speaking to HT after the resignation of party colleague Sushmita Dev, Moitra said the burden of proving the numbers lies with those making the claim.

"They have 16, they have been claiming that they have 20. Now, the onus is on them. If they really had 20, I'm sure there would have been a letter out, there would h...