Kolkata, May 27, 2026 — In a significant escalation of political tensions in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections, BJP MP Saumitra Khan from Bankura has claimed that around 50 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs and 20 TMC MPs are prepared to switch sides and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to the media, Khan stated that widespread discontent within the TMC ranks, particularly with the current leadership, has prompted these lawmakers to consider defection. He specifically targeted Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, and suggested that the party in its present form “won’t survive” the ongoing crisis.
This claim comes just days after the BJP’s impressive performance in the state elections, where it surged to approximately 207 seats, marking a major shift from its previous tally of 77 seats in 2021 and effectively ending TMC’s long-standing dominance in the state.
TMC Rejects Claims as ‘Baseless’
The Trinamool Congress has dismissed the allegations outright. Senior party leaders described the statement as “psychological warfare” and an attempt by the BJP to create confusion and instability within the opposition ranks. They maintained that there is no truth to the reported mass defection and called it wishful thinking on the part of the saffron party.
Signs of Internal Unrest
Despite the denial, there are visible signs of turmoil within the TMC. Over 100 municipal councillors have reportedly resigned from various civic bodies in recent weeks, indicating growing grassroots-level dissatisfaction. Several TMC leaders, including MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have stepped down from key party posts, citing internal issues such as the sidelining of local workers and excessive centralization of power.
Additionally, a few TMC figures have been spotted attending meetings with the newly formed BJP government under Suvendu Adhikari, further fueling speculation about shifting loyalties.
History of Political Defections in Bengal
West Bengal has a long history of cross-party movements, especially after major electoral verdicts. Following the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, several TMC MLAs and MPs had joined the BJP. Political observers note that similar patterns often emerge during periods of power shift, as elected representatives seek to align with the ruling dispensation.
However, any large-scale defection would face practical challenges, including provisions of the anti-defection law for MLAs and the need for clearance from the BJP’s central leadership.
A Testing Time for TMC
The 2026 election results have left the TMC grappling with a major anti-incumbency wave and internal complaints about governance and organizational structure. While the exact numbers cited by Saumitra Khan remain unverified and could be strategically exaggerated, the underlying unrest within the party appears genuine.
Political circles in the state are closely watching the coming days for any concrete developments, such as official resignations or statements from senior leaders on either side. The situation remains fluid as West Bengal adjusts to its new political reality.
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