West Bengal’s political landscape took another dramatic turn on July 13, 2026, when three ex‑Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha members submitted their nomination papers as candidates of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The filing took place at the West Bengal Assembly complex in Kolkata, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and BJP state chief Samik Bhattacharya witnessing the event.

Background and Motives

The Trinamool Congress suffered a crushing defeat in the 2026 state assembly elections, prompting a wave of defections. On July 9, the three senior leaders—three‑time Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev, former MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik—joined the BJP. Their shift reflects both personal political survival and the broader erosion of TMC’s influence after the election loss.

Nomination Process and Party Narrative

Early on Monday morning, the trio approached the Returning Officer at the Assembly to lodge their paperwork for the upcoming by‑elections slated for July 24. Dev described the moment as “feeling like a family meeting with the CM,” adding gratitude for the opportunity to contest under the BJP banner. The BJP framed the move as a clear break from “rootless” Trinamool politics, with Bhattacharya stating, “Trinamool is now rootless; people no longer want to hear about it.”

Implications for the Rajya Sabha Race

The three vacant seats in the Upper House are critical for both regional and national calculations. The BJP currently holds 208 of the 294 seats in the West Bengal Assembly, while the TMC is split into rival factions. This numerical advantage, combined with the newly acquired senior leaders, could streamline the BJP’s path to securing the Rajya Sabha seats, thereby strengthening its foothold in the state.

Wider Political Significance

Sushmita Dev’s political journey—from a Congress background to a brief stint with Trinamool and now the BJP—exemplifies the fluidity of party affiliations in Indian politics. The move underscores how individual ambitions intersect with party dynamics, especially when a dominant regional party faces existential challenges. As the by‑elections approach, analysts will watch closely to see whether these defections translate into tangible electoral gains for the BJP.