In a major political shift ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has struck a massive blow to the BJP in the sensitive Sandeshkhali region. Despite trailing by nearly 8,000 votes in the last Lok Sabha elections, TMC has successfully orchestrated a defection of around 50 local BJP leaders and tribal organization heads at Dhamakhali on Monday.

The joining ceremony took place in the presence of TMC candidate Jharna Sardar and outgoing MLA Sukumar Mahata. Tribal leaders Dilip Sardar and Bholanath Giri hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the Centre of stalling the recognition of the ‘Sarna Religion.’ They praised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for empowering tribal women by fielding Jharna Sardar.

Political analysts view this as a strategic recovery for TMC following the Sheikh Shahjahan controversy. While TMC leaders claim that the BJP’s narrative has faded, the Basirhat organizational district BJP leadership has maintained a stoic silence regarding this setback.