Trinamool MPs Signal Support for NDA, BJP Plans Strategy Amidst West Bengal Government Formation

New Delhi: While several Trinamool MPs are openly expressing their willingness to extend support to the NDA, the BJP is closely monitoring the developments and formulating its strategy.

The party is in no hurry to take a decision, as its immediate focus remains on stabilising and establishing the new government in West Bengal. Sources in the BJP told ET that the Trinamool is witnessing an internal churn, with several leaders meeting BJP functionaries. However, that does not mean the party is willing to accommodate all disgruntled Trinamool leaders.

A few days ago, Trinamool MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said that MPs leaving the party would support the NDA. But the BJP is clear that it is not going to merge the group of rebel MPs into its fold. Party leaders told ET that, in the best-case scenario, the rebel MPs may write to the Lok Sabha Speaker claiming to be the original Trinamool Congress and elect their own office-bearers. Such a move would likely trigger a legal battle, similar to the disputes involving the Lok Janshakti Party, Shiv Sena and NCP, where rebel factions eventually secured the party symbol and emerged as the recognised party.

The entire process is expected to result in a prolonged legal and political battle, and BJP sources maintain that the outgoing Trinamool leaders will have to formulate their strategies.

As for Rajya Sabha members such as Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, the BJP is willing to accommodate him whenever he chooses to join. He will be considered for a Rajya Sabha berth once a by-election is held.

In the case of Sushmita Dev, who met Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma after resigning from both the Trinamool and the Rajya Sabha, the BJP is not inclined to offer her a Rajya Sabha seat. She is reportedly keen to work in Assam, and the state leadership will decide her role.

Prakash Baraik is the third Rajya Sabha MP from the Trinamool to resign from the party. The BJP has maintained silence on whether he will join the party and any plans to accommodate him.