Why Did Rebel BJP Legislator from Kurseong Join Trinamool Congress?
Synopsis
Bishnu Prasad Sharma, a dissenting BJP legislator from Kurseong, shifts allegiance to the Trinamool Congress, citing discomfort with communal politics. This move raises questions about the BJP's position in West Bengal as Sharma's exit reduces their parliamentary strength amid ongoing demands for Gorkhaland.
Key Takeaways
Bishnu Prasad Sharma leaves BJP for Trinamool Congress .
Sharma criticized BJP's communal politics .
His exit reduces BJP's strength in West Bengal to 64.
Sharma has been a vocal advocate for Gorkhaland .
This political shift may affect the upcoming assembly elections .
Kolkata, Feb 19 (NationPress) Bishnu Prasad Sharma, a dissenting member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing the Kurseong Assembly constituency in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, who has publicly criticized the party's regional leadership for a considerable period, officially transitioned to the ruling Trinamool Congress on Thursday. Sharma arrived at Trinamool Bhavan, the party's state headquarters in Kolkata, where he was ceremoniously welcomed by Bratya Basu, the state Education Minister, and Dr Shashi Panja, the Minister for Women & Child Development and Social Welfare.
During the welcome ceremony, Basu presented the Trinamool flag to Sharma, while Panja adorned him with a tricolor scarf featuring the party's emblem.
Sharma's discontent with the state BJP leadership stemmed from their perceived negligence towards the long-standing aspirations of the residents in the hills concerning the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state, which would include areas from Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong, as well as the plains in the Terai and Dooars regions.
Moreover, Sharma had persistently protested within the Assembly premises advocating for the Gorkhaland state demand.
In the upcoming 2024 elections, he firmly opposed the re-nomination of the current BJP Lok Sabha member from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, and decided to run as an independent candidate, arguing that the BJP had consistently overlooked the popular demand for a candidate from the hills.
With Sharma's departure, the BJP's representation in West Bengal has diminished to 64 members.
After his formal induction into Trinamool, Sharma communicated to the media that he was unable to align himself with the BJP's communal politics, leading him to join Mamata Banerjee's party. He stated, "I was compelled to engage in communal politics and raise divisive slogans. Anarchy prevails across the nation. Thus, I have chosen to join the Trinamool Congress to combat this anarchic political climate."
However, the Chief Whip of the BJP's legislative party contended that Sharma's exit would not adversely affect the party's prospects in the forthcoming West Bengal assembly elections in the Darjeeling district.
Point of View
Sharma's transition from BJP to Trinamool Congress highlights the ongoing tensions within political parties and the growing discontent among their members over critical issues like Gorkhaland. The move may influence upcoming elections, reflecting the changing political landscape in West Bengal.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Bishnu Prasad Sharma to join Trinamool Congress?
Sharma cited discomfort with BJP's communal politics and their neglect of the Gorkhaland demand as reasons for his switch to Trinamool Congress.
How does Sharma's departure affect BJP's representation?
With Sharma's exit, the BJP's representation in West Bengal has decreased to 64 members, potentially impacting their electoral prospects.
What is the significance of the Gorkhaland demand?
The Gorkhaland demand is a long-standing aspiration among residents of the hills for a separate state, which has been a contentious issue in West Bengal politics.
