The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to secure all three Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal following the resignations of three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) members, with the TMC currently divided and unlikely to contest the bypolls scheduled for July 24.
Background of the Bypolls
The by-elections were necessitated after Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Rajya Sabha and the TMC in June 2026. The trio quit following the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, expressing dissatisfaction with the party's leadership. Their resignations left three vacancies in the Upper House from the state.
TMC's Internal Strife
According to sources within the TMC, the party is deeply divided and struggling to field candidates for the bypolls. The three former MPs were among several leaders who had questioned the party's direction after the electoral loss. The internal dissent has reportedly weakened the TMC's organizational strength, making it difficult to mount a credible challenge against the BJP. Political analysts suggest that the TMC may opt to not contest the seats, effectively handing them to the BJP.
BJP's Strategy and Prospects
The BJP, on the other hand, has consolidated its position in West Bengal after winning the assembly elections. Party leaders have expressed confidence in winning all three Rajya Sabha seats, which would further strengthen their majority in the Upper House. The BJP's central leadership has been in touch with state unit leaders to finalize candidates, with names like former bureaucrats and party loyalists being discussed. The bypolls are seen as a litmus test for the BJP's organizational capabilities in the state post-assembly victory.
Impact on Rajya Sabha Arithmetic
The election of three BJP members from West Bengal would increase the party's tally in the Rajya Sabha, where it already holds a significant number of seats. This would aid the BJP in passing key legislation that requires Upper House approval. For the TMC, losing these seats would be a major setback, reducing its representation in the Rajya Sabha and diminishing its influence in national politics.
Official Statements
Neither the TMC nor the BJP has officially announced their candidates yet. However, a senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "We are fully prepared to contest and win all three seats. The people of West Bengal have shown their faith in us, and we will continue to strengthen our presence in the state." Meanwhile, a TMC functionary admitted, "The party is in a state of flux. We are yet to decide on our strategy for the bypolls."
The Election Commission has announced that the bypolls will be held on July 24, with counting of votes scheduled for the same day. The results are expected to reinforce the BJP's dominance in West Bengal's political landscape.
