Bengal: Jhargram BJP MP Kunar Hembram Joins Trinamool Congress After Lok Sabha Ticket Snub

Jhargram BJP MP Kunar Hembram joined TMC citing his commitment to the state's development under the leadership of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

Jhargram BJP MP Kunar Hembram joined the TMC in the presence of the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee at an election meeting on Sunday ( Image Source :X/@AITC )

In a significant political development ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Jhargram BJP MP Kunar Hembram switched allegiance to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Hembram joined the TMC in the presence of the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee at an election meeting on Sunday. Hembram, who was elected in 2019 on a BJP ticket, announced his decision to join TMC citing his commitment to the state's development under the leadership of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. “I will work for the development of the state under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee,” Hembram stated, as per news agency PTI.

The TMC released a brief statement remarking on the significance of Hembram’s defection, noting, “On the day Narendra Modi is holding sabhas in Bengal, BJP's outgoing MP Kunar Hembram joins TMC in the presence of Abhishek Banerjee.”

The TMC posted on X, "In the presence of our Nat'l GS, Shri @abhishekaitc, BJP's outgoing MP from Jhargram, Kunar Hembram, proudly took up the Trinamool Congress flag. We wholeheartedly welcome him to the Trinamool Congress family. Together, we are committed to fighting for the welfare of our Ma, Mati, Manush!"

However, the BJP downplayed the impact of Hembram’s departure. BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya commented, “His departure will not affect the BJP in any way. We welcome people who work for the masses, not for tickets. Nominating anyone is the party's decision”, as quoted by PTI.

According to ABP Ananda, Hembram remarked that the BJP opposes the tribals. "Adivasis will be affected by the Uniform Civil Code they are going to bring," he said on his decision to join Trinamool. 

Jhargram MP Kunar Hembram Quit BJP After Being Denied

The move follows Hembram’s resignation from the BJP on March 9, citing personal reasons after he was denied a ticket. BJP has nominated Pranat Tudu in Jhargram.

In his resignation letter to BJP President JP Nadda, Hembram wrote, "This is to formally inform you that I disassociate myself from the party effective immediately. The decision is due to my personal reasons that I have carefully considered."

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had made significant inroads in West Bengal, securing 18 out of 42 seats, while the TMC won 22 seats and the Congress secured 2 seats. This time, the BJP aims to increase its tally to at least 30 seats, working vigorously under the campaign slogan "400 Plus."