NEW DELHI: Within hours of formally joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Trinamool Congress (TMC) heavyweights Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik were declared BJP candidates for the imminent Rajya Sabha by‑polls. Their induction took place at the party’s Salt Lake office in Kolkata, overseen by West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and senior party functionaries.

Background of Defections

All three politicians had resigned from the Rajya Sabha and quit the TMC last month, citing growing dissent within Mamata Banerjee’s party. Their resignations left three Rajya Sabha seats vacant, creating a strategic opening for the BJP to field seasoned legislators against a weakened opposition.

BJP’s Strategic Calculus

The BJP argues that the former parliamentarians will reinforce its presence in West Bengal, a state where it has been attempting to make inroads since the 2019 general elections. With the TMC reeling from a crushing defeat in the recent state assembly polls, the BJP sees an opportunity to convert disillusioned TMC cadres into its own support base.

Internal Crisis Within TMC

The TMC’s internal crisis accelerated after a sizable group of MLAs, led by expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, broke away. Several MPs subsequently aligned with the rebel faction, demanding separate seating arrangements in Parliament and holding meetings with senior BJP leaders—fueling speculation of further defections.

Personal Motives of the Defectors

Sushmita Dev explained that her exit from the TMC was driven by “political and personal reasons,” adding that she could not remain “in two boats at the same time.” Ray blamed the party’s electoral loss on years of poor governance, while Baraik’s swift resignation deepened concerns over dissent within the TMC.

Mamata Banerjee’s Response

Mamata Banerjee condemned the rebel faction as “traitors” who have turned to the BJP, urging party members not to “sail on two boats.” She warned that the TMC must address its internal barbarities before seeking forgiveness from the electorate.

As the political realignment unfolds, West Bengal’s power dynamics are poised for a shift. The BJP’s rapid candidate rollout underscores its intent to capitalize on TMC’s vulnerabilities, while the TMC faces a crucial test to mend its fractured ranks.