3 former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs join BJP:Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Prakash Chik had quit Mamata’s party after poll defeat

Three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MPs, Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Prakash Chik Baraik, joined the BJP on Thursday. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya welcomed the three leaders into the party in Kolkata. The three leaders had resigned from both the Rajya Sabha and the TMC after the party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. They had expressed dissatisfaction with Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, alleging that the party was being run in an arbitrary manner. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy resigned on 8 June, Sushmita Dev on 10 June, and Prakash Chik Baraik on 11 June. Voting and counting for the by-elections to these three Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal will be held on 24 July. The election notification will be issued on 7 July. The last date for filing nominations is 14 July, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on 15 July. Suvendu Ray: Received death threats over RG Kar case Suvendu Ray: I received death and kidnapping threats after alleging evidence tampering in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. After demanding action against the Police Commissioner and hospital principal, both were called to Lalbazar. Despite poor health, my concerns were ignored, forcing me to move the High Court. Sushmita Dev: BJP’s victories in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Tripura reflect public trust in PM Modi. No other party wants Mahua Moitra, which is why she remains in the TMC. Sougata Ray: TMC Won’t Be Affected Sougata Ray: The three leaders were already with the BJP. Their exit won’t hurt the TMC or significantly benefit the BJP, as defecting leaders carry little political weight. Voting and results for all three seats on July 24 The Election Commission has released the schedule for the by-elections to be held for the three vacant Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal. The notification will be issued on July 7, while the last date for filing nominations has been set as July 14. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on July 15, and candidates will be able to withdraw their names until July 17. Voting for these seats will be held on July 24 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Counting of votes will begin at 5 PM on the same day, while the entire election process will be completed by July 27. Mamata left with 22 MLAs and 17 MPs The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) had 28 Lok Sabha MPs, but 20 have broken away, leaving Mamata Banerjee with just 8 MPs in the Lok Sabha. In the Rajya Sabha, 4 of the party’s 13 MPs have resigned, reducing its strength to 9 MPs. In the Assembly, the TMC won 80 seats in the latest election, but 58 MLAs have formed a separate faction, leaving Mamata with only 22 MLAs. Recognition as a separate party requires a two-thirds majority On July 2, a 10-member delegation of the rebel faction met Gyanesh Kumar, seeking recognition as the real TMC. The group also informed the Election Commission of India about organisational changes within the party and the formation of a new National Working Committee (NWC). ​