Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 21, 2024, Jalpaiguri :
In a significant political development in North Bengal, Marina Kujur, elder sister of former Union Minister and senior BJP leader John Barla, has quit the BJP and joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Kujur, a prominent figure in the region, switched allegiance during a Vijaya Sammilani event organized by Trinamool in Nagarakatta, Jalpaiguri.At the event, Marina Kujur was formally welcomed into the ruling party by INTTUC state president Ritabrata Banerjee, who handed her the Trinamool Congress flag in front of a gathering of party supporters. Kujur’s defection, along with several of her supporters, deals a blow to the BJP’s foothold in the region, especially given her role as the district president of Jalpaiguri’s ST (Scheduled Tribe) Morcha.
Marina Kujur was elected on a BJP ticket from the Sulkapara area during the 2018 Panchayat elections and had been a key leader in the tribal belt of North Bengal. Recent political rumors suggested that Kujur was hoping for a BJP ticket in the upcoming by-elections. However, after not securing a ticket, she decided to leave the party.
In a statement after joining Trinamool, Marina expressed her admiration for the development work undertaken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as her primary reason for the switch. “I have witnessed the remarkable progress brought about by Mamata Banerjee’s government. It’s time to work for the people in a more meaningful way, and I believe TMC is the right platform for that,” she said.
She also criticized the BJP, accusing it of not providing her with the support she needed as a leader. “Despite my contributions to the party and the community, I received little encouragement or assistance from the BJP,” she added.
Kujur was quick to clarify that her decision to leave the BJP and join Trinamool was made independently, stating that her brother, John Barla, had no involvement. Barla, a former Union Minister of State, has been a prominent face in BJP’s politics in North Bengal, but this latest move highlights internal friction within the party.
The BJP’s failure to nominate John Barla for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls also seems to have deepened the divide. While Marina Kujur’s decision has sparked speculation of further rifts within the BJP, her departure is seen as a boost for Trinamool, which is aiming to consolidate its support base in North Bengal ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
As the political landscape in North Bengal continues to evolve, Kujur’s defection serves as a reminder of the shifting allegiances and the growing importance of grassroots leadership in determining party dynamics. The coming months are likely to see more maneuvering as both BJP and Trinamool position themselves for the upcoming electoral battles.