The exit of BJP’s Haldia MLA Tapasi Mandal to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday has further exacerbated concerns as the party is anticipating defection of eight more legislators to the fold of the ruling party ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls in West Bengal.
The anxiety is not confined to a single region but are spread across north Bengal, western part of the state and the Matua belt, where internal dissatisfaction is brewing, said a source in the Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party.
Tapasi’s switch over is said to be significant given that her constituency falls within the stronghold of BJP’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
Also read: West Bengal: BJP MLA Tapasi Mondal joins TMC
The BJP in West Bengal finds itself grappling with internal instability as the party faces a steady decline in its legislative strength. Initially holding 77 legislators in the House of 294, the party's numbers have now dwindled to 65 due to resignations, defections, and electoral setbacks in by-elections since 2021.
North Bengal: A brewing crisis
One of the key figures causing unease is Kurseong MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the BJP’s handling of the Darjeeling Hills issue. “Having demanded a separate state, Sharma has expressed his frustration at the party's reluctance to endorse this demand, leading to speculation that he may eventually sever ties with the BJP,” said a leader of the saffron camp.
However, his potential political future remains uncertain, as the TMC has also distanced itself from supporting a separate state for the region.
Adding to the party's concerns is Soumen Roy, the Kaliaganj MLA from North Dinajpur. His past switch to the TMC and subsequent return to the BJP in 2024 has raised doubts about his long-term commitment to the party. His political allegiance appears to be closely tied to Anant Maharaj, a Rajbanshi leader, whose strained relations with the BJP could impact Roy’s next move. With tensions between Anant and the BJP resurfacing, there are fears that Roy might reconsider his association with the party once again.
South Dinajpur: Internal dissent
Sources in the saffron camp admitted that even in the home district of BJP’s state president, Sukanta Majumdar, internal discord is evident. “A BJP MLA from the district has openly criticised the party after the announcement of new mandal presidents, alleging a conspiracy to weaken his electoral prospects in the next assembly elections,” said a BJP leader.
Previous speculations about his potential defection to the Trinamool have resurfaced, further adding to the BJP’s worries.
Matua region: Growing pressures The Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts, dominated by Matuas, a Hindu religious sect comprising dalit refugees from Bangladesh, have also posed challenges for the BJP leadership. This section of electorates proved BJP’s vote-bank in the previous elections since 2019.
Three MLAs from this region had reportedly considered defecting before the Lok Sabha elections. To contain the crisis, two of them were given party tickets to contest the elections — both of whom lost. While this move temporarily prevented further erosion of support, concerns remain about their future loyalty to the party. Another MLA from the region had distanced himself from political activities for some time, raising concerns within the party before senior leaders intervened.
Border areas: Rising speculation Speculation is also mounting over the possible defection of MLAs from the border areas of Hooghly-Bankura and the South-West region. “One of them, a former Left MLA, has been making statements hinting at political flexibility, while the other — a celebrity — has had a strained relationship with the BJP leadership from the outset. His recent dissatisfaction and behind-the-scenes remarks have fueled further speculation about a possible departure,” said another leader of the saffron camp’s Bengal chapter.
BJP’s Strategy Amidst Crisis With the 2026 assembly elections in sight, the BJP is eager to consolidate its position and prevent further attrition. However, the defection of Tapasi has already delivered a significant setback. In light of these developments, the party is keeping a close watch on the movements of the eight MLAs who are under scrutiny. The BJP’s ability to manage internal dissent and retain its existing legislators will be critical in determining its prospects in the upcoming electoral battle.
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