Three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha members—Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, and Prakash Baraik—formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on July 9, 2026, in New Delhi, just days after resigning from the upper house of Parliament. Their defection marks a significant political shift in West Bengal, where the BJP is consolidating its position ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections.
Defections Follow Resignations from Rajya Sabha
The trio resigned from the Rajya Sabha on July 6, 2026, citing dissatisfaction with the TMC's internal functioning and leadership. Their exit reduced the TMC's strength in the 245-member house. On Friday, they were officially inducted into the BJP at a party event attended by senior leaders, including Union Minister and BJP West Bengal in-charge Kailash Vijayvargiya.
Addressing the media after joining, Sushmita Dev said, "We have decided to join the BJP to work for the development of West Bengal and the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The TMC has lost its way, and we believe the BJP offers a better future for the people of Bengal."
BJP Gains Momentum in Bengal
The induction of these former TMC MPs is seen as a boost for the BJP's efforts to expand its base in West Bengal, where the TMC has been in power since 2011. The BJP has been aggressively targeting TMC leaders ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, aiming to replicate its 2019 Lok Sabha performance, when it won 18 out of 42 seats in the state.
Political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty commented, "The defection of three Rajya Sabha MPs within a week signals deep unrest within the TMC. It strengthens the BJP's narrative of corruption and misgovernance under Mamata Banerjee."
TMC Reacts to Exits
The TMC, however, downplayed the resignations, calling them opportunistic moves. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "These leaders left because they feared losing their positions. The TMC remains strong and united under Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Such defections will not impact our electoral prospects."
In the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, the TMC won 213 seats, while the BJP secured 77. The BJP has since been working to erode the TMC's rural strongholds, particularly in districts like Bankura, Purulia, and Jhargram, where Prakash Baraik has influence as a former MP from the region.
Impact on 2026 Assembly Polls
With the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections less than a year away, the BJP's strategy of inducting disgruntled TMC leaders is expected to intensify. The party has already set a target of winning over 200 seats. The addition of Sushmita Dev, a prominent tribal leader from Assam who shifted to Bengal politics, and Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, a seasoned politician from South 24 Parganas, provides the BJP with experienced campaigners.
According to BJP sources, more TMC legislators and grassroots workers are in touch with the party and may join in the coming weeks. The TMC, meanwhile, is banking on its welfare schemes and Mamata Banerjee's popularity to retain power.
