Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of Subhas Chandra Bose, joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, intensifying his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he quit earlier.
Bose, who ended his nine-year association with the BJP in September 2023 citing ideological differences, had recently described his decision to join the party as a ‘historic mistake’. In a social media post on March 27, he said he realised this ‘sooner rather than later’, adding that he could not align with a political approach that, in his view, relies on division and polarisation to secure electoral gains.
Calling for unity across communities, Bose stressed that communalism cannot be countered with further communal divisions. He urged people, political workers, and members of the INDIA alliance to come together to protect the country’s foundational values and counter forces he described as divisive.
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His induction into the TMC comes at a crucial juncture, as the party prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle in West Bengal. Polling in the state is scheduled in two phases—April 23 and April 29—while counting of votes will take place on May 4.
In recent weeks, Bose has also been sharply critical of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. He alleged that the exercise had led to the disenfranchisement of a large number of voters, describing it as ‘completely unconstitutional and undemocratic’.
He further questioned the role of the Election Commission of India, accusing it of failing to ensure a fair and impartial electoral process. In one of his statements, he criticised the poll body in strong terms, alleging that it was not functioning independently and calling on ‘progressive and like-minded people’ to unite.
Bose also expressed concern over the reported removal of nearly 90 lakh voters from electoral rolls, urging civil society groups and activists to raise their voice against the issue. Invoking a call for resistance, he appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and engaged in safeguarding democratic processes.
His switch to the TMC is being viewed as politically significant, given both his lineage and his earlier association with the BJP. The development comes at a time when political activity in the state is intensifying ahead of the elections.
The upcoming polls follow the 2021 Assembly elections, in which the TMC registered a sweeping victory by winning 213 seats, while the BJP secured 77 seats to emerge as the principal opposition—a substantial rise from its earlier presence in the state.
With Bose’s entry, the political landscape in West Bengal is witnessing renewed churn, as parties step up their campaigns in what is expected to be a closely watched and keenly contested election.
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