BJP MLA Critiques Party's Reliance on Money Power Following By-Election Loss in West Bengal

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has achieved a significant victory in the recent by-elections, securing six assembly seats in West Bengal. This includes retaining five seats from the 2021 elections and capturing the Madarihat seat from the BJP in Alipurduar district. Kurseong MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma criticised the TMC leadership, accusing them of relying on financial influence to win elections and sidelining legislators in favour of MPs.

Sharma expressed his concerns through a Facebook post, stating, "The BJP runs a membership drive in West Bengal over the phone from a Kolkata office, while party leaders turn a blind eye to factionalism within the party. The party sidelines MLAs and gives unnecessary importance and responsibilities to MPs. It dreams of winning elections relying on money power. Despite having no shortage of political issues in the state, it centers its politics solely around religion."

Political Dynamics and Allegations

Sharma further criticised the BJP's approach, accusing them of focusing on religious politics despite numerous political issues in the state. He alleged that the BJP accuses opponents of corruption while supporting figures like Adani and Ambani. Additionally, he claimed that the BJP undermines indigenous rights by enticing Bangladeshi Hindus with promises related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The BJP MLA also praised TMC for its grassroots efforts, highlighting their implementation of 26 pro-poor schemes such as Kanyashree Prakalpa and Krishak Bandhu Scheme. He remarked, "Now, you decide who will win the elections. I have never seen a culture of self-criticism within the BJP; otherwise, this outcome wouldn't have occurred."

TMC's Continued Success

Since the 2021 assembly elections, TMC has consistently won by-elections except for one instance in Sagardighi in March 2023. In that case, a Congress candidate initially won but later joined TMC. This recent victory increases TMC's strength in the 294-member state assembly to 216 seats.

In contrast, the BJP's representation has decreased from 77 seats in 2021 to 69 seats now. The shift highlights TMC's growing influence and consolidation of power within West Bengal's political landscape.

The ongoing political developments underscore TMC's strategic focus on grassroots initiatives and welfare schemes, which have resonated with voters. Meanwhile, internal criticisms within BJP suggest challenges in addressing factionalism and adapting strategies to regain lost ground.