Why Are TMC Leaders Deserting Mamata to Join the BJP Before the 2021 Assembly Election?
The ongoing political scene in West Bengal before the 2021 assembly election has seen a significant number of TMC (Trinamool Congress) leaders deserting their party and joining the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). This shift is driven by various factors, including allegations of corruption and the aggressive pressure tactics employed by the BJP.
Allegations of Corruption and Pressure Tactics
Many TMC leaders are familiar with the perks and regulations within the party. Scandals and corrupt practices have been rampant, leading to a tarnished image and a sense of disillusionment among party members. The Bharatiya Janata Party has compiled a complete dossier of these allegations and has used the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to threaten these leaders with legal consequences if they do not switch parties.
Given the ethical climate and the fear of legal repercussions, very few TMC leaders possess the moral power to stand firm against these threats. For those with the inclination to do so, the BJP offers an allure of safety and potential benefits. They are informed that intelligence is in favor of the BJP, further swaying their decision in favor of joining.
Mithun Chakraborty's Defection as a Case Study
A notable example is the case of Mithun Chakraborty, a well-known actor who became a member of the Rajya Sabha through the Trinamool Congress. Within two years, he had to quit the party due to the Saradha chit fund case, where he was questioned for his role in receiving a fee of 1.2 crore from the Saradha group for becoming a brand ambassador of a TV news channel they financed. He returned the money, resigned from the Rajya Sabha, and left the Trinamool Congress, citing poor health as his excuse. This case exemplifies how leaders are coerced into abandoning their parties due to investigations and threats of legal action.
Mithun Chakraborty's defection to the BJP not only serves as an important case study but also demonstrates the strategies employed by the BJP to deter and pressure TMC leaders. By using these tactics, the BJP aims to solidify its position and weaken the TMC before the upcoming assembly election.
A Sinking Ship with a Deteriorating Leader
Leading TMC figures are fleeing the party due to their perception of it as a "sinking ship." With the party leader, Mamata Banerjee, exhibiting increasingly erratic behavior, there is little hope for a stable and forward-looking leadership. Many believe that the 2021 assembly election may be the final straw. Once the election concludes, the TMC party is likely to fragment into several smaller factions, with three merging with the BJP, Congress, and Left, respectively. Only a small portion may remain with Mamata, but even then, it will likely consist of no more than 20 MLAs and 5 MPs.
Several TMC leaders, like Didar and Prasanth, recognize the imminent collapse of the party and have begun shifting their allegiances. They acknowledge that under Mamata's leadership and the current political climate, there is no viable future for TMC. If this trend continues, it will seriously undermine the ability to support Mamata's candidature for the nomination papers. The consequences would be severe, leaving the party without enough support to function effectively.
A Long-standing Pattern of Political Defections
West Bengal has a long history of leaders from opposing political factions defecting to the more dominant party. Previously, during the left's 30-year rule, leaders defected to the TMC. Now, a similar pattern is observed with TMC leaders defecting to the BJP, a process facilitated by similar pressure tactics.
While the strategy has always been effective in weakening opposition parties, the speed at which TMC is falling apart is unprecedented. This suggests a more significant and earlier transition from TMC to the BJP, driven by a sense of urgency and the fear of long-term political stagnation.
For TMC leaders, the decision to switch to the BJP is not solely about career prospects but also about survival in an increasingly hostile political environment. The ongoing political defections reflect a broader trend in West Bengal where leaders are more willing to abandon their long-held allegiances for perceived safety and stability.