BJP MP Saumitra Khan on Wednesday claimed that around 50 Trinamool MLAs and 20 MPs were unhappy with the ruling party and were prepared to switch to the BJP if the party’s central leadership gave the go-ahead. Khan said the Trinamool Congress would cease to exist as a political force if the BJP leadership decided to induct the leaders allegedly in contact with the party.
“If the BJP central leadership says it once, TMC will not remain a party anymore. Everyone is ready to come. Around 50 MLAs are unhappy with the party and 20 MPs are ready to join,” he claimed.
The BJP leader also launched a sharp attack on Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, calling him a “sinner” and saying that “sinners have to go to jail”. “There is a bulldozer standing in front of his house today. In 2021, he had houses of BJP workers demolished. Sinners should face the consequences immediately. They should descend to hell,” Khan said.
However, rejecting Khan’s claims, Trinamool MP Sougata Roy said there was no truth to the BJP leader’s statement. “This is completely false. Saumitra Khan and the BJP are spreading misinformation. Nothing like this is going to happen,” Roy said.
Saumitra Khan’s remarks come amid mounting unrest within the ruling All India Trinamool Congress following its recent electoral setback in West Bengal. The party has been grappling with internal dissent, resignations in civic bodies and allegations of corruption involving several leaders.
The controversy intensified after Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar attended a meeting chaired by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari along with several Trinamool MLAs. Kakoli was recently removed from the post of Trinamool’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha and later provided Y-category security by the Centre, fuelling further political speculation.
Nearly 100 councillors from different municipalities have resigned in recent days, triggering instability across civic bodies still largely controlled by the Trinamool. Reports suggest several municipal boards could collapse before civic polls due next year.
According to reports, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has also expressed a desire to step down, though no official confirmation has been issued. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently appealed to councillors not to resign amid the growing crisis.
The political churn intensified after the BJP-led state administration under Suvendu Adhikari indicated that past activities of municipal bodies would be scrutinised and action taken where irregularities were found.
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said administrators were being appointed in municipalities where councillors had stopped attending offices.
Several arrests linked to alleged corruption and extortion cases have further heightened anxiety within the party. Last week, three councillors were arrested over accusations of extortion and intimidation.
The death of influential South Dum Dum Trinamool councillor Sanjay Das on May 23 added to the unease. Das, who was considered close to Trinamool leader Debraj Chakraborty and had faced allegations of corruption and extortion, was found hanging. Police registered a case of unnatural death.
Chakraborty, husband of former Trinamool MLA Aditi Munshi, is also under investigation by central agencies over alleged irregularities in civic recruitment. Former Trinamool minister Sujit Bose has already been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the case.
Municipalities in North 24 Parganas and adjoining industrial regions have been among the worst affected by the resignations. In Bhatpara municipality, 30 out of 35 councillors, including chairperson Reba Raha, resigned. In neighbouring Halisahar municipality, 16 of 23 councillors stepped down, while 14 councillors resigned from Kanchrapara municipality.
Bhatpara municipality vice-chairperson Debajyoti Ghosh said he had “no alternative” but to resign, alleging that employees were not receiving salaries and that the Trinamool leadership had failed to provide guidance or support.
West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Trinamool won 29 seats, while the BJP secured 12 and the Congress won one seat. Khan’s claim that 20 MPs were ready to defect has triggered fresh political speculation, as at least 20 MPs would be required to avoid disqualification under anti-defection provisions.
Source: India Today
