TMC leader denies joining BJP, calls viral post fake and Facebook account hacked

Gopal Chandra Bera, a prominent leader from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in East Midnapore, has publicly denied claims that he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after a viral post circulated on social media. The post showed Bera, a Panchayat member from Rishi Bankimchandra Gram Panchayat in the Egra 1 block, allegedly thanking the BJP for accepting him as a member. This sparked widespread speculation of a defection from TMC to BJP, which has been actively recruiting in areas of East Midnapore.

Bera refuted the allegations in a statement, asserting that the image was fabricated and had been altered. He explained that the phone number displayed in the post was incorrect, and clarified that his Facebook account had been hacked. According to Bera, he had immediately informed the TMC leadership about the situation and was confident that the party would take appropriate steps to resolve the issue. Bera emphasized that he remains with TMC and has no intentions of shifting allegiance.

The controversy has drawn attention to the political climate in East Midnapore, where BJP has been making concerted efforts to expand its base. The BJP has been claiming that several TMC members are secretly joining their ranks due to dissatisfaction with TMC leadership and the party’s internal politics. In response, TMC leaders have dismissed these allegations, asserting that no defections have taken place. They view the viral post as a part of a broader strategy to create confusion and destabilize the party ahead of upcoming elections.

In addition to Bera’s denial, there have been no other public confirmations of defections from TMC to BJP in the region. However, BJP leaders continue to assert that many TMC members, particularly those disillusioned by internal party issues, are seeking to join BJP in private. Arup Das, the BJP Youth Wing In-charge for Kanti district, further fueled the narrative, stating that “many leaders are choosing to leave TMC due to the ongoing vindictive politics within the party.” He added that such defections would become more apparent in the coming weeks.