In a significant political development in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has lost control of the Mekhliganj municipality in Cooch Behar district. The municipality's chairman, Prabhat Patani, defected to the Congress party on Friday, and he has announced that six other councillors will join him, effectively handing over the civic body to Congress. This marks the first municipality to come under Congress management since the change of government in the state.
Defection Ceremony in Kolkata
Chairman Prabhat Patani formally joined the Congress party at the Pradesh Congress office in Kolkata, where he received the party flag from state Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar. The event was also attended by Congress politician Debaprasad Roy. Following his induction, Patani stated, "I joined Congress at their Kolkata office. When I return to Mekhliganj, six more councillors will formally join the party."
Political Landscape of Mekhliganj
Mekhliganj is one of six municipalities in Cooch Behar district and comprises nine seats, all of which were originally won on TMC tickets. However, before the assembly elections, the councillor from Ward No. 4 left TMC and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Approximately 18 months ago, the councillors removed the previous chairman and appointed Patani to the post. With Patani and the six councillors now aligning with Congress, the party has secured a majority, thereby transferring control of the municipality. One councillor has reportedly decided to remain with TMC.
Congress Leaders React
Commenting 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. Patani explained his decision, saying, "It is no longer possible to work in TMC because of its internal conflict. I joined Congress to ensure development... and to protect the interests of the public."
