Kunar Hembram, a BJP MP from West Bengal, joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday during an election meeting attended by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. After his defection, Hembram expressed his commitment to working for the state's development under the leadership of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.
The TMC highlighted the significance of this move, noting it coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bengal. In an official statement, the TMC remarked on the timing: "On the day Narendra Modi is holding sabhas in Bengal, BJP's outgoing MP Kunar Hembram joins TMC in the presence of Abhishek Banerjee."
Despite the apparent impact of Hembram's switch, the West Bengal BJP downplayed the event. BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya stated that Hembram's departure would not affect the party. Bhattacharya emphasized the party's focus on members who are dedicated to public service rather than political positioning for tickets.
Hembram's decision to leave the BJP followed the party's denial of a Lok Sabha ticket for the upcoming elections. The BJP subsequently nominated Dr. Pranath Tudu for the Jhargram seat, a position previously held by Hembram.
