India, June 9 -- The crisis within the Trinamool Congress deepened on Monday as rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar defiantly rejected allegations of political opportunism and vowed not to succumb to pressure from the party leadership.

Speaking to ANI, the veteran leader declared, "Mera sar katega lekin jhukega nahi" (My head may be cut off, but I will not bow), as she defended her decision to break ranks with the party she has been associated with for four decades.

Rejecting criticism over her rebellion, Dastidar said she had endured enough and would not be intimidated. "I have been fighting here for 40 years... the words of such people have absolutely no effect on me," she told ANI.

Claims 20 MPs have sought separate seating in Parliament...