Bengal BJP faces internal crisis, 8 more MLAs may defect amid ongoing exits

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal is facing a deepening crisis as its legislative strength has declined from 77 to 65 since the 2021 Assembly elections. The party has lost MLAs due to resignations, defections, and by-election defeats, with concerns that at least eight more legislators may switch sides in the coming months.

On Monday, Haldia MLA Tapasi Mondal resigned from BJP and joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She was elected from Suvendu Adhikari’s stronghold, making her defection significant. TMC has claimed this as a major political setback for Adhikari, while BJP leaders have stated they are monitoring the situation.

Two BJP MLAs, who were also MPs, resigned soon after the 2021 elections to return to Parliament. Over time, eight more legislators left the party, and one MLA passed away. Another MLA stepped down after winning a Lok Sabha seat in 2024. BJP lost all by-elections held in these constituencies, reducing its total strength to 65.

In North Bengal, Kurseong MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma has repeatedly voiced his dissatisfaction with BJP’s policies in the hills. He has accused the party of not fulfilling its promise of granting special status to the region and has openly advocated for a separate state. His stance has created tensions within the party, though his next move remains unclear.

In North Dinajpur, Kaliaganj MLA Soumen Roy has been a point of concern. He originally won on a BJP ticket in 2021 but later joined TMC before returning to BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. There is speculation about his allegiance, especially with the involvement of Rajbanshi leader Anant Maharaj, whom BJP had sent to the Rajya Sabha but who has recently distanced himself from the party.

In South Dinajpur, internal rifts have surfaced, with a BJP MLA alleging that his own party is conspiring to defeat him in the next election. His dissatisfaction follows the appointment of new district-level leaders. Previously, there were speculations about his possible shift to TMC.

Matua-dominated regions in Nadia and North 24 Parganas have also seen instability. Before the Lok Sabha elections, three BJP MLAs were believed to be considering defection. While two were given Lok Sabha tickets, both lost their elections. Another MLA reportedly distanced himself from his family, leading to speculation about his political future. A senior BJP leader was sent to handle the situation.

Two BJP MLAs from the Rarh Bengal region have also expressed discontent. One, from the Hooghly-Bankura border, previously associated with the Left, recently stated, "No party is bad, only some people are," hinting at dissatisfaction. Another senior legislator from southwest Bengal, who has contested multiple elections with BJP, has ongoing tensions with a senior party leader. The BJP leadership is closely monitoring developments to prevent further losses.