Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Join BJP Along With Former TMC MP Prakash Chik Baraik in Kolkata (Watch Video)
Three prominent former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament—Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik—officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata on Thursday.
Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MPs Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata on Thursday, weeks after resigning from the Upper House and quitting the Mamata Banerjee-led party. The move marks another significant political development in West Bengal, where the BJP is seeking to strengthen its position ahead of upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls and future electoral contests.
Leaders Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik Inducted into BJP in Kolkata
The three former TMC leaders were formally inducted into the BJP at the party's state headquarters in Kolkata in the presence of senior party leaders. Their induction comes after they stepped down as Rajya Sabha members and severed ties with the Trinamool Congress earlier this year. The BJP welcomed the leaders, describing their decision as a sign of growing support for the party in West Bengal. TMC Split Widens: Rebel MPs Merge With NCPI, Back NDA.
Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Prakash Chik Baraik Join BJP After TMC Exit
VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik join BJP in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/FrOzOqfE43
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 9, 2026
Political Realignment in West Bengal
The resignations of Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik had already triggered the need for bypolls to three Rajya Sabha seats from West Bengal. The Election Commission has scheduled the elections for July 24. Political observers believe the latest defections could influence the state's parliamentary representation, with the BJP expected to improve its position in the Rajya Sabha following the vacancies created by the resignations. 'We Will Work With NDA Under PM Modi': Rebel TMC Faction Stakes Claim to More Than 2-3rd of Party Strength After Meeting Om Birla (Watch Video).
Background to the Resignations
Sushmita Dev, who joined the TMC after leaving the Congress in 2021, resigned from both the party and the Rajya Sabha in June. At the time, she said her decision was driven by personal and political reasons, adding that she did not want to remain "in two boats." Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik also resigned from the Upper House and exited the TMC around the same time.
BJP Eyes Stronger Presence
The induction of the three former MPs comes as the BJP intensifies its efforts to expand its footprint in West Bengal following recent political shifts in the state. The party has described the move as part of its strategy to broaden its leadership base and strengthen its organisational presence.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has been dealing with a series of high-profile resignations and internal changes in recent weeks as it seeks to consolidate its position under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's leadership.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2026 06:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
