Ex-TMC MPs Sukhendu, Sushmita and Prakash join BJP in presence of Samik Bhattacharya

Three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha members—Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik—formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kolkata on Thursday after resigning from the TMC last month. The three leaders were inducted at the BJP's Salt Lake office in the presence of West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya and other senior party leaders. Bhattacharya welcomed them with BJP flags and said their political experience would strengthen the party in the state. Their induction comes amid continuing internal turmoil within the TMC following the Assembly election defeat.

The political crisis intensified after a group of MLAs broke away under the leadership of expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, with several MPs backing the rival faction. The dissident MPs have sought separate seating arrangements in Parliament and have held meetings with senior BJP leaders. Reacting to the latest development, senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said Sukhendu Sekhar Ray had received political opportunities in the party, including nomination to the Rajya Sabha by Mamata Banerjee, and added that the public was witnessing the current developments.

After resigning from the TMC, Sushmita Dev said her decision was based on political and personal reasons and stated that she would continue her political work in Assam. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who resigned from both the party and the Rajya Sabha, said it had become difficult for him to continue in the TMC and submitted his resignation to the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Prakash Chik Baraik also resigned from the Rajya Sabha, stating that his resignation should take effect immediately. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee accused the rival faction of betraying the party and urged its members not to support the BJP while continuing to identify themselves with the TMC.