Major setback for BJP in East Medinipur as Moyna leader joins Trinamool

In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the BJP suffered a setback in East Midnapore as prominent Moyna leader Chandan Mandal joined the Trinamool Congress on Friday. The district is considered a stronghold of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, making the defection politically notable.

Chandan Mandal formally joined the ruling party at an event held at Trinamool Bhavan. His entry is being viewed as an organizational loss for the BJP in Moyna and adjoining areas. Political observers attribute the shift to long-standing internal differences within the party’s local unit.

Sources indicate that during the 2021 Assembly elections, Mandal was among the strongest contenders for the BJP ticket from Moyna. However, the party fielded former cricketer Ashok Dinda instead, who went on to win the seat. Following that decision, Mandal and his supporters reportedly felt sidelined. He was gradually distanced from key organizational responsibilities and was recently removed as block convener. His reduced presence in party activities over the past year had already indicated a growing rift.

After joining Trinamool, Mandal criticized the BJP leadership and Moyna MLA Ashok Dinda, claiming he felt “suffocated” in the party and that local development had been neglected. He said he would focus on promoting fish farming and resolving severe waterlogging issues in the region. He also raised concerns about pending payments under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme in Bakcha and Gojina Gram Panchayat areas, stating that beneficiaries received some dues only after his intervention.

The BJP’s district leadership downplayed the development. Malay Sinha, president of the BJP’s Tamluk organizational district, said the party does not revolve around any individual and that Mandal’s exit would not affect its prospects. However, political speculation has intensified over the future course of Mandal’s wife, Khukurani Mandal, who currently serves as BJP Pradhan of Gojina Gram Panchayat, and whether her move could further impact the party’s panchayat-level equations in Moyna.