Political Shifts Ahead of West Bengal Elections: MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma Joins TMC

Rebel BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma has joined the ruling TMC in West Bengal just before the assembly elections. As a previous advocate for Gorkhaland, Sharma criticizes the BJP for unmet promises and seeks to further Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's development model, stirring political dynamics in the region.

In a significant political development, Bishnu Prasad Sharma, a rebel BJP MLA, switched allegiance to the ruling TMC on Thursday, ahead of the looming West Bengal assembly elections. Sharma, representing the Kurseong constituency, was inducted into the party at TMC headquarters in Kolkata, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of the Darjeeling Hills.

During the welcoming event, presided over by Education Minister Bratya Basu and Industry Minister Shashi Panja, Sharma vowed to endorse and implement Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's developmental policies. His move underscores his discontent with the BJP, citing unfulfilled promises and lack of progress on the ground, particularly concerning the longstanding demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.

Despite his initial support as an independent candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sharma's campaign failed to gain momentum, with BJP's candidate Raju Bista maintaining his seat. The BJP, however, downplayed Sharma's defection, with chief whip Shankar Ghosh asserting minimal impact on the party's stronghold in the region. The assembly elections, involving 294 seats, are imminent as the current term concludes in May.

(With inputs from agencies.)