Parliament – TMC Accuses BJP of Using Staggered Resignations to Strengthen Numbers
Parliament – Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of following a calculated political strategy to increase its numerical strength in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Speaking to reporters, Banerjee claimed that the BJP was carefully timing resignations and defections to influence the outcome of Rajya Sabha bypolls and improve its position in Parliament.
Allegations Over Rajya Sabha Vacancies
According to Banerjee, the sequence of resignations was planned in a manner that benefited the BJP during Rajya Sabha elections. He alleged that if all four members, including Koel Mallick, had resigned together, elections for all vacant seats would have taken place simultaneously, reducing the BJP’s chances of securing additional seats. Instead, he claimed, the resignations were staggered, creating favourable conditions for the party in separate bypolls.
Banerjee further alleged that Koel Mallick entered the political developments only after the latest election created another vacancy. Referring to reports of her meeting BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav, he claimed she was expected to join the BJP. However, he also stated that every individual has the right to choose a political party or ideology according to personal preference.
Concerns Over Political Defections
The TMC leader expressed concern over the increasing number of elected representatives switching political allegiance in West Bengal. He said the recent wave of defections by Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly had raised questions about the state’s long-standing political traditions.
Banerjee remarked that West Bengal has historically been recognised for its educational institutions, cultural heritage and contribution to parliamentary democracy through several respected public representatives. In his view, the recent political realignments have created an image that does not reflect the state’s political legacy.
Sharp Criticism of Opposition Leadership
Continuing his criticism, Banerjee targeted Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, claiming that several legislators who left the TMC were politically aligned with him. He described the defecting MLAs as part of Adhikari’s political camp and said the people of West Bengal would ultimately decide whether such political shifts were acceptable.
He added that the final judgment on these developments would come through the democratic process when voters express their opinion during elections.
Resignation and Recent Political Moves
According to sources, Koel Mallick met Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday and submitted her resignation from the Upper House.
Earlier, former Rajya Sabha members Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik had joined the BJP after leaving the TMC. Following their switch, the BJP nominated them as candidates in the Rajya Sabha bypolls for the vacant seats.
Political developments continued this week as former minister Madan Mitra, once regarded as a close associate of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, joined a rebel group led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, according to reports.
Mamata Banerjee Responds to Party Crisis
Amid the growing number of resignations and defections, Mamata Banerjee addressed party workers through a video shared on X. She said that those intending to leave the Trinamool Congress should make their decision before the party’s July 21 Shaheed Diwas rally.
Referring to Koel Mallick, Mamata Banerjee stated that the actor-turned-politician had informed the party leadership in advance through an email before resigning from the Rajya Sabha. She also acknowledged reports that Mallick had met a BJP leader after stepping down.
The TMC chief said that individuals facing political pressure were free to decide their future and join any party of their choice, adding that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to make such decisions. She also remarked that some leaders leaving the party remained in communication with the TMC leadership despite their decision.