The political landscape in West Bengal has undergone a significant transformation following the recent split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This division has had a profound impact on the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls, scheduled for July 24, 2026, for three seats previously held by TMC members.
Background of the Split
In June 2026, three prominent TMC Rajya Sabha members—Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik—resigned from both the Upper House and the party. Their departures were prompted by internal dissent following the TMC's defeat in the assembly elections. Roy and Baraik's terms were set to continue until September 2029, while Dev's tenure was to last until April 2030. Each won two seats, and the CPI(M) and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) secured one seat each, affecting the position in the Rajya Sabha. The NDA's current tally of 148 members would increase, bringing it closer to the two-thirds majority mark of 163 required for passing constitutional amendments.
Conclusion
The TMC's internal turmoil has not only reshaped the state's political dynamics but also had a cascading effect on national politics. The upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls in West Bengal will be a critical test of the BJP's strengthened position and the opposition's ability to regroup and challenge the ruling party's dominance.