India, Nov. 15 -- With every passing day, troubles appear to be mounting for the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the upcoming civic polls in West Bengal.

The party is not only struggling to find candidates in several wards, with veteran leaders reportedly reluctant to contest, but is also facing the prospect of incumbent councillors switching sides and contesting on BJP tickets. A growing sense of uncertainty within the TMC has prompted several local leaders to explore the possibility of joining the BJP, fearing that contesting under the Trinamool banner could jeopardise their electoral prospects.

Political observers believe that the Calcutta High Court's decision to put the civic election process on hold could pro...