Three former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs join BJP: Three former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs, who left Mamata Banerjee, join BJP

By Samira Vishwas On Jul 9, 2026

New Delhi. Three former Rajya Sabha MPs of Trinamool Congress, Sukhendu Shekhar, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Badaik have joined BJP. West Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya gave party membership to these three. Sukhendu Shekhar had resigned from Rajya Sabha membership and TMC on June 8. Whereas, two days after his resignation, on June 10, Sushmita Dev also resigned. After this, Prakash Chik Badaik also announced his resignation.

VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik joined BJP in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/FrOzOqfE43
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 9, 2026

After joining BJP, Sushmita Dev said that Bharatiya Janata Party is a national party, so I have not come here in the hope of a Rajya Sabha seat, but as an outgoing MP of Bengal. Shamik Bhattacharya said, it is a matter of happiness that today so many big leaders are expressing confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party. He is moving ahead with faith in the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the other hand, when TMC leader Saugata Roy was asked about these three leaders joining BJP, he said, what is new in this? He was already with them. To save his seat, BJP has given him nomination and he joined BJP. This will not cause any harm to us. I doubt whether BJP will get any benefit from this or not. Defectors have no importance.

Let us tell you that the Election Commission has also announced the date of by-election on the three seats of Rajya Sabha that became vacant after the resignation of Sukhendu Shekhar, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Badaik. According to the Election Commission, voting will be held on these three seats from 9 am to 4 pm on July 24 and the results will be declared after counting of votes at 5 pm on the same day. Notification has been issued on July 7. July 14 is the last date for filing nomination papers, while nomination papers will be scrutinized on July 15 and candidates will be able to withdraw their names till July 17.