In a significant political development in West Bengal, three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Members of Parliament—Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik—have resigned from both the Rajya Sabha and the TMC. Their resignations have paved the way for by-elections to fill these three seats, scheduled for July 24, 2026. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to contest these bypolls, with the expectation of securing all three seats, thereby increasing its representation in the Rajya Sabha.
The resignations of these MPs were prompted by internal dissent within the TMC following its defeat in the recent assembly elections. Roy and Baraik's terms were set to continue until September 2029, while Dev's tenure was to last until April 2030. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the bypolls will be conducted separately for each seat, with votes to be counted on the evening of July 24.
The BJP's strong position in the West Bengal assembly, where it holds 208 of the 294 seats, significantly influences the bypoll dynamics. The TMC's internal divisions have further complicated the opposition's ability to field candidates. Reports indicate that both factions of the TMC have decided against contesting the bypolls, effectively conceding the seats to the BJP. This development underscores the BJP's growing influence in the state's political landscape.
The bypolls are not only a test of the BJP's expanding influence but also a reflection of the TMC's internal challenges. The party's inability to present a united front in these bypolls may have long-term implications for its political standing in West Bengal.