Synopsis
On March 11, Tapasi Mondal, a BJP MLA from Haldia, switched to TMC, becoming the fifth MLA to do so while still recognized as a BJP member. This move decreases BJP's effective strength in West Bengal's assembly.Key Takeaways
- Tapasi Mondal switches to TMC.
- Fifth MLA to switch sides.
- Effective BJP strength now 65.
- MLAs cite dissatisfaction with BJP politics.
- Political credibility questioned by BJP.
Kolkata, March 11 (NationPress) Tapasi Mondal, the BJP representative from the Haldia Assembly constituency in East Midnapore, has officially joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday, making her the fifth MLA to shift allegiance while still being formally recognized as a BJP member in the state Assembly.
With Mondal’s shift, the BJP’s real strength in the West Bengal assembly has decreased to 65. However, officially, the party retains 70 seats, as these five MLAs are still listed as BJP representatives.
The other four MLAs in this situation are Mukul Roy (Krishnanagar Uttar, Nadia), Tanmay Ghosh (Bishnupur, Bankura), Harakali Protiher (Katulpur, Bankura), and Suman Kanjilal (Alipurduar).
Except for Roy, who is currently bedridden and receiving ongoing medical care, the remaining three actively engage in Assembly sessions as TMC members.
All five defectors have pointed to similar reasons for departing the BJP — dissatisfaction with the party’s “divisive” politics and a wish to aid in the development of West Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
In response, the BJP has challenged their political integrity, arguing that if these MLAs were genuinely disenchanted with the party, they should have formally resigned rather than remaining under the BJP banner.
The saffron party also questions why, if they believe in TMC’s appeal, they didn’t resign and pursue re-election on a TMC ticket.
Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, suggested that Mondal’s switch was anticipated.
“Recently, the party established that no sitting MLA could also hold the position of district president in an election year. Realizing she would lose her district president position, she opted to join TMC,” Adhikari stated.
On Monday, Tapasi Mondal arrived at the Assembly, but subsequently headed to the Trinamool Bhavan, the ruling party’s state headquarters, to officially join the party.
Senior TMC leader and state Power Minister Arup Biswas welcomed her by presenting the party flag.
After joining TMC, Mondal informed media representatives that her choice was driven by her struggle to adapt to the “culture of divisive politics” allegedly propagated by the BJP in West Bengal.
