The Congress party on Monday launched a sharp attack on Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav after reports emerged that around a dozen dissident TMC MPs gathered at his official residence in Delhi. The opposition party accused Yadav of engaging in political poaching instead of focusing on his ministerial responsibilities.
Congress Slams Bhupender Yadav Over Meeting with TMC Dissidents
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, 'The environment minister's job is to nab poachers, not be one himself. Instead of protecting forests and wildlife, Bhupender Yadav is busy poaching opposition MLAs and MPs to strengthen the BJP.' The remark came after news broke that several disgruntled Trinamool Congress parliamentarians met at Yadav's Motilal Nehru Marg residence on Sunday evening.
Details of the Meeting
Sources said the meeting was convened by Bhupender Yadav, who is also the BJP's election in-charge for West Bengal. The dissident TMC MPs reportedly discussed their grievances with the party leadership and explored the possibility of switching sides. The development is seen as a major political move ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.
The Trinamool Congress, however, downplayed the incident. Senior TMC leader and MP Derek O'Brien said, 'Such meetings are nothing new. The BJP has been trying to break our party for years, but we remain united.' He added that the party would take appropriate action against any MP found to be in touch with the BJP.
Meanwhile, the BJP refused to comment on the matter. Party sources indicated that more TMC legislators are in touch with the BJP leadership and may join the party in the coming weeks. This has intensified the political rivalry in West Bengal, where the BJP is trying to unseat the Mamata Banerjee government.
The Congress also questioned the timing of the meeting, noting that it took place just days after the Enforcement Directorate summoned several TMC leaders in connection with the alleged coal scam. 'The BJP is using central agencies to pressure opposition leaders and then luring them with offers to join the party,' Khera alleged.
Political analysts believe that the meeting could have significant implications for West Bengal politics. The TMC currently has 22 MPs in the Lok Sabha, and any defection could weaken the party's position. However, the TMC leadership remains confident that it can retain its flock.
The Congress's attack on Bhupender Yadav also highlighted the broader opposition strategy of targeting Union ministers who are directly involved in political activities in their home states. With the 2026 elections approaching, such exchanges are likely to intensify.
