In a significant political development in West Bengal, former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha members Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata on Thursday, days after resigning from the Upper House and quitting the TMC amid an internal rebellion following the party's defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections.
The three leaders were inducted into the BJP at the party's state headquarters in Salt Lake in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, who welcomed them by handing over the party flag. Their entry into the BJP marks another setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which has been grappling with a series of high-profile defections since its electoral loss.
Addressing the media after the induction, Bhattacharya described the former Rajya Sabha members as experienced parliamentarians whose contributions in the Upper House were widely respected. He said their decision to join the BJP reflected their faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and would further strengthen the party in West Bengal.
Bhattacharya said the BJP, including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, was delighted to welcome the three leaders. He also launched a sharp attack on the TMC and the Left, accusing them of obstructing West Bengal's development by choosing confrontation with the Centre instead of cooperative federalism. According to him, the BJP remains committed to accelerating development and governance in the state.
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