TMC's Sujata Mondal blames party leaders for election loss in Bishnupur, alleges bribery from BJP

Sujata Mondal, the defeated Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate in the Bishnupur Lok Sabha constituency, has leveled serious allegations against certain district and block leaders of her party, accusing them of betrayal and corruption. Speaking at the TMC's Bijoya Sammelani event held in Indas, Bankura, Mondal claimed that these leaders accepted bribes from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and actively sabotaged her election campaign.

In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Mondal contested against BJP candidate Soumitra Khan, who emerged victorious with a margin of just over 5,000 votes. This closely contested race brought the Bishnupur constituency into the spotlight, as it was one of the key battlegrounds in West Bengal. Despite a vigorous campaign, Mondal's loss has led to questions about the effectiveness of her party’s leadership and the loyalty of its members. She alleged that several TMC leaders, who have held their positions since 2011, secretly collaborated with the BJP during the campaign, undermining her efforts and weakening the party’s position.

Mondal's allegations included specific claims that TMC officials engaged in clandestine meetings with BJP candidates, negotiating arrangements that would benefit the BJP while detracting from her campaign. She accused these party members of donning a facade of loyalty while covertly participating in a “setting” with their political rivals. This betrayal, she argued, was not merely personal but indicative of a broader issue affecting the TMC's integrity and unity, particularly as the party navigates the complexities of West Bengal's political landscape.

In response to Mondal's explosive claims, BJP leaders have swiftly capitalized on the situation, asserting that their electoral success was not influenced by internal discord within the TMC but rather reflected the will of the electorate. They have labeled the TMC as a party riddled with corruption and disloyalty, using Mondal’s statements to strengthen their critique of the opposition. BJP spokespersons have emphasized that the party’s victory was achieved through genuine public support and grassroots engagement, distancing themselves from any allegations of manipulating TMC leaders.

The fallout from Mondal’s allegations could have significant implications for the TMC as it assesses its organizational structure and leadership dynamics. In the wake of the election defeat, there may be calls for an internal review to address issues of loyalty, accountability, and transparency within the party ranks. As the TMC confronts these challenges, the leadership will need to focus on rebuilding trust among its members and ensuring that such allegations do not undermine the party's future electoral prospects.