BJP MP Saumitra Khan has made significant claims regarding the current state of the Trinamool Congress, stating that approximately 50 MLAs and 20 MPs are discontented and prepared to join the BJP, pending approval from the party’s central leadership. He suggested that this potential exodus could spell the end of the Trinamool Congress as a viable political entity. Khan stated, “If the BJP central leadership says it once, TMC will not remain a party anymore.”

This assertion raises questions about the internal dynamics within the Trinamool Congress, with Khan alleging that many members are already in contact with the BJP. The growing dissent within the ranks of the ruling party could indicate shifts in loyalty that may further destabilise the political landscape in West Bengal.

In response to Khan’s allegations, Trinamool MP Sougata Roy rejected the claims outright, labelling them as unfounded and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. He emphasised, “This is completely false. Saumitra Khan and the BJP are spreading misinformation.”

Internal Strife and Resignations in Trinamool Congress

Saumitra Khan’s comments come at a time of increasing turmoil within the All India Trinamool Congress following a disappointing electoral performance in West Bengal. The party is reportedly grappling with various issues, including internal dissent, resignations across civic bodies, and allegations of corruption involving key figures.

The situation escalated following a meeting attended by Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who was removed from her position as the chief whip in the Lok Sabha. This meeting, which reportedly included numerous Trinamool MLAs and also featured Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, has fueled political speculation regarding further defections.

Recent days have seen nearly 100 councillors from various municipalities resign, leading to instability in civic bodies predominantly controlled by the Trinamool Congress. Concerns are rising that some municipal boards might collapse ahead of upcoming civic elections, scheduled for next year. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim is also believed to be contemplating stepping down, although no formal announcement has been made.

Corruption Allegations and Arrests Intensify Political Pressure

Political instability in West Bengal has been exacerbated by the BJP-led state administration’s intention to scrutinise past activities within municipal bodies, with possible actions against irregularities. Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul confirmed that administrators are being appointed in municipalities where councillors have ceased attendance.

Several recent arrests related to alleged corruption and extortion have heightened tensions within the Trinamool Congress. Three councillors were taken into custody last week on charges of extortion and intimidation, and the suspicious death of influential councillor Sanjay Das on May 23 has compounded anxieties within the party.

Das was known to have close ties to Trinamool leader Debraj Chakraborty, amid ongoing investigations by central agencies regarding alleged irregularities in civic recruitment. The arrest of former Trinamool minister Sujit Bose by the Enforcement Directorate further reflects the seriousness of the corruption allegations affecting the party’s image.

Impact on Municipalities Amid Resignations

Resignations from Trinamool-affiliated municipalities, particularly in the North 24 Parganas region, have led to significant turmoil. In Bhatpara municipality, 30 out of 35 councillors, including chairperson Reba Raha, have resigned. Similar trends are evident in nearby Halisahar and Kanchrapara municipalities, with substantial numbers of councillors also stepping down.

Bhatpara vice-chairperson Debajyoti Ghosh stated that he felt he had “no alternative” but to resign, citing issues related to unpaid salaries and a lack of support from Trinamool leadership. The ongoing resignations have raised concerns over the strength and stability of the party in these regions.

As the political situation continues to evolve, the Trinamool Congress faces a challenging landscape ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the party previously secured 29 out of 42 seats, compared to the BJP’s 12 and Congress’s one. Khan’s claims about potential defection among 20 MPs add another layer of complexity to the current political scenario.

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