Netaji’s Great-Grandson Chandra Kumar Bose Joins TMC, Quits BJP
Chandra Bose joins TMC ahead of Bengal polls, slams BJP for divisive politics, says party strays from Netaji’s ideals and unity vision.
- Chandra Bose joins Trinamool Congress, criticizes BJP's divisive politics.
- Netaji's grandnephew cites ideological differences with BJP for move.
- Bose's switch adds symbolic weight to TMC's election campaign.
Chandra Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and a former BJP leader, has joined the All India Trinamool Congress ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. His move comes days before polling and marks a significant political shift in the state. Bose accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of practising divisive politics and straying from Netaji’s ideals, underlining growing political churn in the run-up to the crucial electoral contest in the state.
Switch Before Polls
Bose formally joined the Trinamool Congress in the presence of state minister Bratya Basu and TMC MP Kirti Azad on Sunday.
His induction comes at a politically sensitive time, just days ahead of elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly. The polls will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Bose’s entry is expected to add symbolic weight to the ruling party’s campaign, given his lineage linked to one of India’s most revered freedom fighters.
Attack On BJP
Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Bose said it was not possible to follow Netaji’s ideals while remaining in the party. He accused it of promoting communal divisions and spreading hatred for electoral gains.
“We must fight to save India and resist divisive politics,” he said, shortly after joining the TMC.
Bose had joined the BJP in 2016 and contested the West Bengal Assembly elections from Bhabanipur against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, but lost. He later contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kolkata Dakshin, where he was again defeated.
Exit & Realignment
His differences with the BJP leadership grew over time, culminating in his resignation in September 2023. Since then, Bose had increasingly expressed support for Mamata Banerjee’s positions on various issues.
In March, he described his decision to join the BJP as a “historic blunder”, stating that he could not align with any political approach that sought to divide voters.
His move to the TMC now signals a clear political realignment, as parties intensify their campaigns ahead of a closely watched electoral battle in West Bengal.
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