17 Rebel TMC MPs to Join BJP? Basunia's Claim Triggers Fresh Row in Bengal

Rebel TMC MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia on Monday triggered fresh speculation in West Bengal by claiming that 17 of the 20 Lok Sabha members who broke away from the party and joined the NCPI would soon move to the BJP.

Basunia, the Cooch Behar MP, said the 17 MPs had finalised their plans and would join the BJP together, arguing that their numbers would keep the group outside the ambit of the anti-defection law.

However, his claim was quickly contradicted by fellow rebel MPs. Basunia later clarified that his statement was his personal opinion and did not represent the collective position of the NCPI group.

Abu Taher Khan, one of three Muslim MPs in the bloc, categorically rejected the possibility of joining the BJP. He said Basunia was not their spokesperson and asserted that he, Jangipur MP Khalilur Rahaman and Baharampur MP Yusuf Pathan would neither join the BJP nor support the NDA.

Rebel MP Satabdi Roy also said no decision had been taken by the group on joining the BJP.

Basunia had claimed the three Muslim MPs would remain with the NCPI and extend outside support to the NDA, but Khan rejected that proposition as well.

The BJP also distanced itself from the claim. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said he was unaware of anyone from the TMC or NCPI joining the party, while stressing that the BJP would contest the upcoming Kolkata and Howrah civic elections on its own strength.

The 20 MPs announced on June 14 that they had merged with the little-known NCPI and extended support to the BJP-led NDA. They have maintained that the move constitutes a valid merger under the anti-defection law, but their demand for recognition as a separate parliamentary group remains unsettled.

Basunia's remarks have exposed deep divisions within the rebel bloc, while the BJP's cautious response highlights its reluctance to immediately absorb former TMC leaders.