Synopsis
On March 10, Tapasi Mondal's defection from the BJP to the Trinamool Congress reduced the BJP's strength in the West Bengal Assembly to 65. Mondal cited the BJP's divisive politics and expressed her desire to contribute to state development under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.Key Takeaways
- BJP's Assembly strength drops to 65.
- Tapasi Mondal joins Trinamool Congress.
- Decision influenced by divisive politics.
- Trinamool's count rises to 228 seats.
- Political history includes CPI-M roots.
Kolkata, March 10 (NationPress) The BJP's representation in the West Bengal Assembly has decreased to 65 as yet another legislator has defected to the ruling Trinamool Congress today.
The BJP member from Haldia (SC) Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, Tapasi Mondal, attended the second round of the Budget session in Kolkata on Monday.
Although she arrived at the Assembly in the morning, she subsequently visited the Trinamool Bhavan, the headquarters of the ruling party, and officially joined.
Senior Trinamool figure and state Power Minister Arup Biswas greeted her with the party flag during her induction.
After her transition to the Trinamool, Mondal expressed to the media that her choice was driven by her struggle to fit into the 'culture of divisive politics' that she claims the BJP fosters in West Bengal.
She stated, 'My decision is also motivated by my wish to engage in the significant developmental initiatives led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. I opted to leave the BJP because I prioritize the unity of the people.'
Mondal's political journey began with the CPI-M, where she served as a councillor in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Prior to the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, she made the switch to the BJP, aided by the current Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, who played a pivotal role in bringing her into the party.
She was nominated as the BJP candidate for the Haldia (SC) constituency and won the seat that year.
However, just a year ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in 2026, Mondal has made her move to the Trinamool. Consequently, the BJP's strength in the Assembly has been reduced to 65, down from 77 in 2021.
Conversely, the Trinamool's count in the 294-seat assembly has risen to 228. Meanwhile, the All India Secular Front (AISF) holds just one seat, while both the Congress and the CPI-M-led Left Front remain unrepresented.
