TMC Leader Claims BJP MLAs Sought to Join, Party Refused on Principle
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee made a bold claim on Friday. He stated that two BJP MLAs from West Midnapore district in West Bengal were in contact with him. These legislators expressed a desire to switch sides and join the Trinamool Congress.
Banerjee, however, asserted that the TMC deliberately shut its doors on them. He cited the party's political principles and the sentiment of local supporters as the primary reasons for this refusal.
"We Kept the Doors Shut": Banerjee's Address
Addressing a party program, Banerjee posed a rhetorical question to the crowd. "How many MLAs does BJP have from here? Two," he said. "Both of them wanted to join Trinamool. Respecting your wishes, we kept the doors shut."
He elaborated on the party's stance, emphasizing a refusal to absorb leaders associated with what he described as a violent political past. "Those aged 45–50 know the history of Sital Kapat," Banerjee remarked, drawing a comparison. "CPM had its strongmen and BJP has its executioners. They will not become Trinamool's assets."
Banerjee specifically mentioned BJP MLA Hiran, who represents the Kharagpur assembly constituency. "Hiran came to my office with Ajit Maiti — you've seen that — but we did not take him, respecting your demands," he added, referencing apparent public sentiment against such a move.
Focus on Kharagpur for 2026 Polls
Looking ahead to the 2026 state assembly elections, Banerjee urged party workers to concentrate their efforts on Kharagpur. "Make Trinamool victorious in Kharagpur," he challenged them. "BJP had an MP for five years and you got nothing."
In the last assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress secured a dominant position in West Midnapore. Of the 15 assembly constituencies in the district, TMC won 13 seats. The BJP managed victories in only two: Kharagpur, represented by Hiran, and Ghatal, represented by Sital Kapat.
It remains unclear from Banerjee's remarks whether the alleged overtures from the BJP MLAs were recent developments or related to earlier political contacts. Attempts to reach BJP MLA Hiran for comment on the claims went unanswered.
BJP Leaders Launch Fierce Denials and Counter-Attack
The claims were met with immediate and strong denials from the named BJP legislators and senior party functionaries.
BJP MLA Sital Kapat, representing Ghatal, launched a scathing counter-attack. He outright rejected Banerjee's assertions. "Abhishek Banerjee lost his temper," Kapat stated. He then referenced a series of allegations against the TMC leadership. "After coal theft, cattle smuggling, sand theft and stealing 'Pishi files', what answer am I supposed to give?"
Kapat asserted that the political momentum was shifting against the Trinamool Congress. He issued a sharp retort, suggesting, "if BJP opens its doors, it is doubtful whether even 100 Trinamool MLAs will remain."
Senior BJP leaders also dismissed the TMC general secretary's claims. A senior BJP functionary presented a completely opposite narrative. "The situation is exactly the opposite," the functionary claimed. "Many TMC netas are in touch with us and want to join BJP before elections."
The exchange highlights the intense political rivalry in West Bengal as parties begin positioning themselves for future electoral battles. The claims and counter-claims regarding defections add another layer of drama to the state's charged political atmosphere.
