Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury invited 60 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs to join his party on Wednesday after they were allegedly rejected by the BJP [1].

This move signals a strategic attempt by the Congress party to capitalize on internal instability within the ruling TMC in West Bengal. By targeting disillusioned lawmakers, Chowdhury aims to weaken the state government's majority while presenting Congress as a viable alternative for those fleeing corruption allegations.

Speaking in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, Chowdhury said the BJP declined to accept the legislators to avoid damaging its own public standing. The Congress leader said that the BJP is wary of the corruption allegations surrounding these specific individuals [1, 2].

"We all are aware of the internal condition of the TMC. They wanted to join the BJP but have been rejected as the BJP wants to protect its image," Chowdhury said [1].

Chowdhury characterized the current state of the TMC as one of decline. He said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is seeking support because her strength has faded [3]. He said that Banerjee "paid back in her own coin" while addressing the disillusionment among TMC workers [2].

The invitation comes amid reported turmoil within the TMC ranks. Chowdhury said that the BJP's refusal to absorb the 60 lawmakers [1] has left them vulnerable, creating an opening for the Congress party to expand its footprint in the state assembly. He urged these lawmakers, and other frustrated party workers, to align with Congress to challenge the existing political structure in West Bengal [2].

“"We all are aware of the internal condition of the TMC."”

This development highlights a shifting tactical landscape in West Bengal politics. By positioning itself as a sanctuary for 'rejected' politicians, Congress is attempting to disrupt the binary struggle between the TMC and the BJP. If a significant number of MLAs migrate to Congress, it could alter the legislative balance of power and intensify the pressure on the Mamata Banerjee administration.