The political landscape of West Bengal is witnessing a wave of high-profile defections as the state gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections. Ending months of speculation, former Noapara TMC MLA Sunil Singh, who is also the brother-in-law of Arjun Singh, officially joined the BJP today. Accompanying him was Raju Sahani, the former Chairman of Halisahar Municipality, who claimed that the TMC leadership was hindering his ability to serve the people.

In a counter-move, the TMC regained strength in Basirhat as heavyweight leader Firoz Kamal Gazi, popularly known as Babu Master, returned to the party. Having left the TMC for the BJP ahead of the 2021 polls, Babu Master officially rejoined the fold on Monday in the presence of district president Burhanul Mukaddin. These tactical shifts in North 24 Parganas just days before the polls have added a fresh layer of intensity to the upcoming electoral battle.