Kolkata, Jan 28 (NationPress) Aruna Mardi, the first spouse of West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) two-term Lok Sabha MP and head of the state tribal front Khagen Murmu, has officially joined the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata on Wednesday.

At the party headquarters, senior leader and State Education Minister Bratya Basu, along with State Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forests, Birbaha Hansda, presented Aruna with the Trinamool flag.

During the event, Bratya Basu introduced Aruna Mardi to the audience, stating, "This is Aruna Mardi. She was previously linked with the CPI-M and led the Democratic Women’s Front. Subsequently, she joined the BJP and played a significant role in the election campaign of the then MLA who transitioned from the CPI-M to the BJP, aiming for a Parliamentary seat, namely Khagen Murmu. Aruna has also chaired multiple committees within the BJP and is recognized as the spouse of BJP MP Khagen Murmu.

Minister Basu noted that inspired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's initiatives, Aruna sought to affiliate with the Trinamool Congress.

"With the approval of Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, she is joining the Trinamool family today," he remarked.

During a press conference, while Aruna Mardi sat beside her, Birbaha Hansda launched a fierce critique of the BJP.

Leveraging tribal sentiments as a political tool, Hansda stated, "Those with genuine tribal heritage will not associate with the BJP, regardless of circumstances. If tribal communities wish to thrive, they must disengage from the BJP. The Central government fails to acknowledge tribal religious practices. Why should we support a party that limits our religious expression?"

After her transition to the Trinamool Congress, Aruna Mardi expressed her discontent with the lack of opportunities within the BJP.

"I am dedicated to public service. However, I was not afforded the chance to do so in the BJP. Motivated by Mamata Banerjee's principles, I have joined the Trinamool with the intent to serve the community," she declared.

She further mentioned that despite her long-standing desire to assist the public, she felt sidelined within the BJP.

"I aim to advocate for the women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe backgrounds who are often overlooked and deprived of opportunities. This is why I have joined the Trinamool Congress," she stated.

When pressed by reporters, without directly mentioning BJP MP Khagen Murmu, she commented, "Everyone has their own views. He may have allied with the BJP, but that's his choice. I will pursue my own path."

There has been no formal response from the BJP regarding this political shift.

However, BJP's Maldaha Uttar MP Khagen Murmu revealed to close associates that he has had no relationship with Aruna Mardi and has not communicated with her for the past 12 to 13 years.