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BJP MLA Bishnu Sharma Switches to TMC as BJP Launches Bengal Manifesto Drive

In a pre-election setback for the BJP, its MLA from Kurseong, Bishnu Prasad Sharma, has joined the ruling Trinamool Congress in Kolkata. Concurrently, the BJP is running an intensive grassroots campaign to collect public suggestions for its West Bengal election manifesto, aiming to gather over 5 lakh inputs. The campaign, framed as a "social contract," targets issues like unemployment, corruption, and aims to create local jobs. The party reports strong public response to its outreach, which includes digital consultations and physical "aspiration boxes" across districts.

Key Points: BJP MLA Joins TMC, BJP's Bengal Poll Campaign Intensifies

  • BJP MLA defects to TMC
  • BJP's manifesto outreach campaign launched
  • Over 2.5 lakh suggestions received
  • Campaign aims to end "15 years of exploitative governance"
  • Assembly polls due in 2026
2 min read

BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma joins TMC ahead of West Bengal Assembly polls

BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma defects to TMC ahead of West Bengal elections. BJP launches mass outreach campaign to gather manifesto suggestions.

"Your thought, our resolve; your aspiration, our path; your dream, our commitment. - BJP"

Kolkata, February 19

Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma from Kurseong Assembly constituency joined the ruling All India Trinamool Congress on Thursday.

Sharma joined the party at Trinamool Bhavan in Kolkata in the presence of senior TMC leaders, marking a setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the hill constituency.

At the same time, the BJP has intensified its ground-level preparations for the upcoming polls, with its manifesto outreach campaign, "Bikosito Paschim Banga Sankalp Patra, Paramarsha Sangraha Abhiyan," launched on February 7, aimed at gathering citizens' aspirations.

The campaign, which will conclude by the end of February, seeks suggestions from industrialists, educators, businesspeople, teachers, doctors, students, housewives, farmers, the Bengali diaspora, and other sections of society.

Party workers are visiting every booth and household to listen to grievances and expectations, treating the BJP as a family that engages with all.

The objectives of the Abhiyan include ensuring that from a farmer's plough to a youth's startup, every dream feeds the future blueprint. BJP believes it is a social contract, not just a political promise. Citizens can share suggestions by calling 9727 294 294, emailing, scanning a QR code, or using designated hashtags. "Akanksha Sangraha Baksho" (aspiration boxes) have been placed in each district for written proposals.

The campaign says it aims to end 15 years of exploitative governance, unemployment, and corruption, replacing them with a transparent, employment-focused West Bengal. Core goals include bringing migrant workers home and creating local jobs for talented youth. BJP said, "Your thought, our resolve; your aspiration, our path; your dream, our commitment," inviting all residents, regardless of religion or caste, to participate.

So far, over 2.5 lakh suggestions have been received, and the party expects more than 5 lakh by the end of February, with strong positive feedback. The outreach also includes online consultations with the Bengali diaspora, scientists, scholars, and others, as well as town-hall meetings and public consultations in Kolkata, and meetings with farmers and fishermen, BJP leader Anirban Ganguly told ANI.

In 2026, assembly elections are scheduled for four states and one union territory in India. The five legislative bodies up for election are West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the official schedule soon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The BJP's "Sankalp Patra" outreach is actually a smart move. Getting over 2.5 lakh suggestions means people are engaging. In the end, development and jobs matter more than which party an MLA joins. Hope they actually implement these suggestions and don't just use them for PR. 🤞
R
Rohit P
Sharma joining TMC is a setback for BJP in the hills, no doubt. But one MLA switching sides doesn't decide an election. The real fight is on the ground - booth management, voter outreach, and local issues. Both parties have their work cut out for them.
S
Sarah B
As someone following Indian politics, I find the consultation process interesting. The QR codes and aspiration boxes show they're trying to modernize political engagement. But the proof will be in whether migrant workers actually find jobs back home, as promised.
N
Nikhil C
Respectfully, while the campaign slogan "Your thought, our resolve" sounds noble, we've heard similar promises before every election. The real issue is corruption and unemployment. Instead of fancy hashtags, show us concrete plans for industry and transparency. Actions speak louder than collected suggestions.
M
Meera T
Bengal needs stability. This constant switching of loyalties by politicians creates uncertainty. At least TMC has provided some continuity in governance. The focus should be on whether the current government delivered on its last promises before making new ones.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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