John Barla, former Union Minister and BJP MP from Alipurduars, officially joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday, citing frustration over the BJP’s alleged neglect of tribal development.
Barla, who served as Minister of State for Minority Affairs after winning the Alipurduars seat in 2019, had expressed dissatisfaction after being denied a ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP instead nominated Manoj Tigga, the party’s chief whip in the state assembly, who went on to win the seat.
“I was not allowed to work for the development of the tribal people during my time in the BJP,” Barla said after switching sides. “I believe I can serve the tribal community better under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee.”
Barla’s decision comes after weeks of distancing himself from the BJP’s West Bengal leadership, fueling speculation about his next political move.