BJP leader Bishnu Prasad Sharma joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections on Tuesday. Sharma, a legislator of the Kurseong Constituency of Darjeeling district, was welcomed to the Trinamool Congress at the party's head office in Kolkata by Cabinet minister Shashi Panja and Eminister Bratya Basu.
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Sharma raises Gorkhaland issue
While being inducted to the new party, the North Bengal leader stated, "There are various things I said that the party (BJP) did not like. This is majorly because they have been lying to the Gorkha community."
Sharma has been vocal about the demands of the Gorkha community and has advocated for a separate Gorkhaland state. The leader claimed that the BJP has failed to fulfill its promises that were made ahead of the elections and showed no effort towards forming Gorkhaland. During the press conference, he stated, "BJP will never give anything to the Gorkhas. They only make hollow promises to secure votes."
The former BJP leader highlighted that the state's ruling party was supporting the community, while the Opposition's promises did not come true. "I want to tell those who voted for me that I want to work for the development they demand. The Centre never sent funds but development of Kurseong was not affected as the state did its job," he added.
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During a press conference, while taking a dig at the BJP, he asked Home minister Amit Shah, "Is it justified that I do 'jumla rajneeti' with my constituents?"
BJP reacts to Sharma’s exit
On the other hand, BJP MLA of Siliguri, Shankar Ghosh told media that the party was not worried about Sharma quitting the party, as he had been keeping himself away from the BJP.
He also added, "As a friend, it feels bad to see him leaving the party, but based on the matters Bishnu used to post about on social media, I am curious what are the promises Trinamool made to him."
Sharma could continue working for the people without joining a political party, he could have done that on his own or through a voluntary organisation, Ghosh added. The BJP MLA from Siliguri did not want to make any untoward comments about Sharma just because he left the party.
