Arjun Singh, TMC MP, Announces Plans To Join BJP

In a significant blow to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Arjun Singh, the Member of Parliament from the Barrackpore constituency, declared on Thursday his intention to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Singh, however, did not specify the exact time and date of his transition to the BJP, stating that he is prepared to join the party wherever and whenever he is assigned responsibilities.

Regarding his departure from the TMC, Singh expressed his discontent, alleging injustice against him and leaving the decision to the public’s judgment. Notably, the TMC has replaced Arjun Singh with Partha Bhowmick as its candidate for the Barrackpore seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Arjun Singh’s political journey has seen him previously join the BJP in 2019, winning the Barrackpore seat against the TMC candidate. However, in 2022, he rejoined the TMC. In response to speculation about his potential return to the BJP, Singh remained cryptic, stating that time will reveal his decision and acknowledging his ongoing connections with various political figures.

Meanwhile, the TMC announced its candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, with expelled member Mahua Moitra contesting from Krishnanagar. Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, will contest from Diamond Harbour. Other notable candidates include Shatrughan Sinha from Asansol, Jagadish C Basuniya from Cooch Behar, and Mahua Moitra from Krishnanagar.

The TMC’s announcement of its candidates was made by Abhishek Banerjee during a gathering in Kolkata on March 10. The party aims to consolidate its position in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming elections, with a strategic selection of candidates across various constituencies.