Political Shake-Up: Tapasi Mondal Joins TMC, Leaves BJP Reeling

Tapasi Mondal, BJP's MLA from Haldia and a key ally of Suvendu Adhikari, has switched allegiance to the ruling TMC. This move undermines BJP's influence in Purba Medinipur and has implications for the upcoming assembly elections. Mondal emphasized her desire to support the chief minister's development initiatives.

In a significant political shift, BJP's Haldia MLA Tapasi Mondal has defected to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Known as a close confidante of opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, her departure marks a substantial setback for the BJP, particularly in Purba Medinipur, a known stronghold of Adhikari.

Mondal's transition to the TMC unfolded at the party's headquarters in Kolkata, witnessed by state Power Minister Aroop Biswas. The MLA's defection not only weakens BJP's organizational structure in the region but also impacts its legislative presence amid the impending state assembly elections.

Explaining her decision, Mondal highlighted her commitment to the chief minister's developmental agenda. Her political journey has been marked by shifts, as she originally secured the Haldia seat in 2016 as a Congress-supported CPI(M) candidate before joining BJP when Adhikari transitioned to the party in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)