Three Former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs Switch to BJP in West Bengal

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya welcomed the trio, citing their confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Bhattacharya criticized the state’s long-standing political culture under the Left Front and the TMC, arguing that a focus on confrontation rather than cooperation with the Centre had stalled regional development. He described the new recruits as experienced parliamentarians whose arrival strengthens the party’s organizational presence.

The transition follows weeks of speculation surrounding the leaders' departures. Prakash Chik Baraik previously cited the need to respect the will of the West Bengal electorate, while Sushmita Dev stepped down last month, expressing a desire to refocus her efforts in Assam. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy provided a sharper critique of his former party, citing systemic issues ranging from unbridled corruption and failures in public health and education to concerns over law, order, and employment. This defection represents a mounting challenge for Mamata Banerjee’s leadership as dissent continues to surface within both the state Assembly and Parliament.