In a significant political development in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has lost control of the Mekhliganj municipality in Cooch Behar district after its chairman, Prabhat Patani, defected to the Congress party on Friday. Patani, who was accompanied by six other councillors, formally joined Congress at the party's state headquarters in Kolkata, marking the first civic body to be managed by Congress since the change of government in the state.
Chairman Joins Congress with Councillors
Prabhat Patani received the party flag from state Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar at the Pradesh Congress office in Kolkata, in the presence of senior Congress leader Debaprasad Roy. Following his induction, Patani announced that six more councillors would formally join the party upon his return to Mekhliganj.
Out of the six municipalities in Cooch Behar, Mekhliganj consists of nine seats, all of which were won on TMC tickets during the last municipal elections. However, before the assembly polls, the councillor from Ward No. 4 had left TMC and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). About eighteen months ago, the councillors removed the previous chairman and appointed Patani to the post.
Congress Secures Majority
With Patani and six councillors joining the party, Congress has secured a majority in the municipality, effectively transferring control. One councillor has stated that he would remain with TMC. Speaking on the development, Debaprasad Roy said that individuals who aligned with Congress ideology had previously joined Trinamool due to inducement or pressure. He added that these individuals, now facing an ideological crisis, were returning to Congress after recognising the political reality.
Shubhankar Sarkar remarked that Congress accepts individuals who face no allegations of corruption, adding that this process has started with Mekhliganj. He emphasised the party's commitment to ethical politics.
Patani's Reasons for Leaving TMC
Explaining his departure, Patani stated: "It is no longer possible to work in TMC because of its internal conflict. I joined Congress to ensure development of the area and to protect the interests of the public." He further noted that the current political situation requires a strong opposition party to represent the population. Patani also revealed that he did not consult the TMC leadership because its district leaders have not maintained contact with him.
Patani did not spare the ruling BJP either. He criticised the party's performance, saying: "Before assuming office, BJP used the slogan 'Fear Out, Trust In'. Since the formation of the new government, people are losing their livelihoods and hawkers are being evicted. Our future struggle is against these actions."
TMC and BJP React
Responding to the switch, Cooch Behar TMC district vice-president Abdul Jalil Ahmed said: "I am not aware of the situation regarding Mekhliganj. Many individuals are leaving the party during this phase, and we cannot force anyone to stay." His comments reflect a sense of resignation within the party ranks.
Mekhliganj's BJP MLA Dadhiram Ray denied any coercion by his party. "BJP has not threatened or intimidated anyone in Mekhliganj municipality. However, if anyone believes that switching parties will protect them from investigations into corruption, they are mistaken," he said, hinting at possible legal troubles for the defectors.
The defection marks a notable shift in the political landscape of Cooch Behar, where TMC had enjoyed a stronghold. With Congress now controlling the municipality, the party aims to strengthen its base in the region ahead of future elections.
