Cooch Behar, July 10 -- A day after former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik joined the BJP and were renominated to the Rajya Sabha, signs of discontent surfaced within the party in North Bengal. Former BJP MLA from Cooch Behar South, Nikhil Ranjan Dey, publicly questioned the decision, triggering political discussion.

Soon after the induction, Dey shared a cryptic post on social media, writing, "After 30 years, now it is time to think," which fuelled speculation within political circles.

Speaking to the media later, Dey said, "A few days ago, the BJP state president had said the party's doors were closed to leaders from the Trinamool Congress. But within hours of joining the BJP, three former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs were renominated to the Rajya Sabha. This has naturally raised questions among long-time BJP workers."

Highlighting the sacrifices of party workers, he said many BJP supporters had stood by the party when it had little organisational strength in the state. "During the 34 years of Left Front rule and the 15 years of the Trinamool government, countless BJP workers faced attacks, vandalism, false cases and prolonged legal battles. Their dedication and sacrifice deserved recognition," he said.

Dey said he understood the BJP central leadership's political strategy to strengthen its numbers in Parliament but questioned the need to induct leaders from rival parties for Rajya Sabha nominations. He claimed the BJP has many capable, educated and committed leaders who could have been considered instead.

Stating that he was prepared to face any disciplinary action, Dey said he would not change his stand and recalled that he had campaigned wholeheartedly for the party despite being denied an Assembly ticket.

Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha Cooch Behar district president Arpita Narayan also appeared to express discontent through a social media post reading, "Washing machine opening today." However, she declined to comment publicly. District BJP president Abhijit Barman also refrained from reacting to Dey's remarks.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.