Mon Mar 10 11:34:13 UTC 2025: **BJP MLA Defects to Trinamool Congress in West Bengal**

**Kolkata, March 10, 2025** – In a significant blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, BJP MLA Tapasi Mondal defected to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday. Ms. Mondal, a close aide to the Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, joined the TMC at its Kolkata headquarters in the presence of state Power Minister Aroop Biswas.

Ms. Mondal, who represents the Haldia constituency, cited the Chief Minister’s developmental initiatives as her reason for switching parties. Her move is considered a substantial setback for the BJP, particularly in Purba Medinipur, Mr. Adhikari’s stronghold, and within the BJP’s legislative party itself. With state assembly elections looming early next year, this defection carries significant political weight.

Ms. Mondal’s political journey has been marked by shifts in party allegiance. She initially won the Haldia seat in 2016 as a Congress-supported CPI(M) candidate before joining the BJP in 2020 following Mr. Adhikari’s move to the party.

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