Three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MPs resigned from the upper house and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday [1].
The defection marks a significant blow to the TMC's legislative strength and internal stability following a crushing defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections [2].
Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik were officially inducted into the BJP at the party's headquarters in Salt Lake, Kolkata [1]. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya led the event [1].
The departures come amid growing concerns regarding the future of the TMC in Assam and ongoing organizational turmoil within the party [2]. These factors contributed to the decision of the three lawmakers to switch allegiances to the BJP [2].
Sushmita Dev's move follows a period of speculation regarding her party switch after her initial exit from the TMC [2]. During the transition, Dev said that few individuals are willing to accept Mahua Moitra's presence within a political organization [2].
The BJP has sought to capitalize on the TMC's electoral setbacks to expand its footprint in the region. By absorbing high-profile figures from the Rajya Sabha, the BJP strengthens its presence in the upper house while weakening the opposition's grip on West Bengal's political narrative [1].
This shift in loyalty highlights the volatility of the regional political landscape. The loss of experienced legislators like Ray and Baraik further depletes the TMC's veteran leadership at a time when the party is struggling to reorganize after its assembly loss [2].
“Three former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs resigned from the upper house and joined the BJP.”
The defection of three Rajya Sabha members indicates a broader erosion of confidence in the Trinamool Congress's leadership following its assembly election defeat. By absorbing these figures, the BJP is not only increasing its legislative numbers but also signaling to other TMC members that there is a viable path toward the saffron party as the TMC faces internal turmoil and a shrinking influence in neighboring regions like Assam.
