West Bengal politics has entered a fresh phase with upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls. The Election Commission announced elections for three vacant Rajya Sabha seats in the state. These seats became vacant after three former TMC members resigned from the Upper House. Later, they joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Interestingly, the same leaders may return to Parliament after the election process. However, their political identity will change from TMC to BJP.
The development has created a major setback for Mamata Banerjee’s party. Consequently, TMC’s strength in the Rajya Sabha will reduce after these changes. The situation has also highlighted the difference between resignation and direct party switching.
Why Three TMC Leaders Resigned Before Joining BJP
The political shift involved three major TMC faces, including Sukhendu Shekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik. All three leaders resigned from their party and Rajya Sabha membership in June. Their decision came after TMC’s defeat in the assembly election. Later, they questioned the party leadership before leaving.
After submitting their resignations, the three leaders officially joined BJP. Soon after, BJP announced them as candidates for the upcoming bypolls. Therefore, their return to the Upper House remains likely through a different party.
Anti Defection Law Created The Main Legal Challenge
The process highlights a key difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members. TMC’s rebel Lok Sabha MPs changed parties directly, while Rajya Sabha members resigned first. This move helped them avoid issues under the anti-defection law.
If Rajya Sabha members had joined another party without resigning, authorities could have declared them disqualified. Therefore, they selected the resignation route before joining BJP and contesting again.
BJP Holds Strong Position In West Bengal Assembly Numbers
Meanwhile, the current assembly numbers strongly favour BJP in this bypoll battle. West Bengal has a total strength of 294 assembly members. BJP currently has 208 MLAs in the state assembly.
Under the Rajya Sabha voting system, every candidate needs 70 primary votes for victory in this three-seat election. BJP already has enough numbers to achieve this target comfortably.
BJP’s Winning Formula Leaves TMC Facing Pressure
BJP can secure its three candidates by providing 70, 69, and 69 votes respectively. The party does not require support from any outside group. Hence, political circles consider BJP’s victory almost certain.
On the other side, TMC faces a difficult situation due to internal disputes. The party currently lacks a strong counter strategy against this political challenge.
Internal Division Becomes TMC’s Biggest Challenge
Technically, TMC MLAs still number around 80, which could help win one seat. However, the major issue lies within the party’s divided groups.
One faction continues supporting Mamata Banerjee. Meanwhile, another group openly opposes the former government under opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee. As a result, internal conflict has weakened TMC’s position before the Rajya Sabha bypolls.
