Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, TMC MP Arjun Singh announces to join BJP

In a significant blow to the Trinamool Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Arjun Singh, the Member of Parliament from the Barrackpore constituency, declared on Thursday his intention to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Singh did not specify the time or date for his BJP enrollment, stating, “This is fixed; I will join the BJP. I can join here or in Delhi, anywhere. I will do whatever party gives me work.”

Addressing inquiries about his departure from the TMC, Arjun Singh expressed feeling wronged. “The public will answer this,” he remarked.

It is noteworthy that Arjun Singh was dropped by the TMC, and Partha Bhowmick has been nominated from the Barrackpore seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Arjun Singh had previously joined the BJP in 2019 and secured victory over the then-TMC candidate for the Barrackpore seat. However, in 2022, he returned to the TMC fold.

Earlier, on March 12, amidst speculations about his BJP rejoining, Arjun Singh had stated that time would reveal whether he would return to the BJP or not. When pressed to clarify rumors about his potential departure from the TMC to rejoin the BJP before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Singh remarked, “Politicians are always in touch with a lot of people, be it ruling party or opposition. I have come from that party (BJP) itself. We will see what happens next.”

Meanwhile, the TMC announced 42 candidates for the impending Lok Sabha elections, with expelled Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra nominated from Krishnanagar. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, disclosed the TMC candidates during a display of strength in Kolkata on March 10.