Political Shake-Up: BJP’s Tapasi Mondal Joins TMC

Tapasi Mondal, a BJP MLA from Haldia, has defected to the ruling Trinamool Congress, weakening BJP's presence in Purba Medinipur. Her move reflects growing dissatisfaction with BJP's divisive politics. Joining TMC alongside state Power Minister Aroop Biswas, Mondal aims to support Mamata Banerjee's developmental initiatives.

Tapasi Mondal, the BJP MLA from Haldia, made headlines on Monday by defecting to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), striking a heavy blow to the BJP's foothold in Purba Medinipur. This region is notably the stronghold of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition.

Mondal formally joined the TMC at their headquarters in Kolkata, with state Power Minister Aroop Biswas by her side. She publicly criticized the BJP for inciting communal tension and practicing divisive politics, which she claimed was not accepted by the people of West Bengal. Mondal revealed that her decision was fueled by a desire to participate in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's developmental projects.

While the TMC welcomed Mondal with open arms, Suvendu Adhikari downplayed the defection, labeling her a political opportunist. He emphasized that no other BJP workers followed her lead. Despite BJP's significant gains in the 2021 assembly elections, Mondal is now the latest in a list of defections to the TMC, with the party viewing it as a strategic advantage ahead of the 2026 elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)