Phansidewa, 06th April: In a significant political development ahead of the Assembly elections, BJP panchayat member Basanta Minj switched to the Trinamool Congress along with around 30 families, alleging lack of development by the sitting BJP MLA.
Minj, who had won from booth No. 27/160 in Phansidewa Assembly, claimed that since 2021, the BJP MLA failed to carry out any development work in the area and remained largely inaccessible to the public. Citing these reasons, he decided to join the TMC ahead of the polls.
He joined the party in the presence of Phansidewa TMC coordinator Kajal Ghosh, Block 1 President Akhtar Ali, and TMC candidate Rina Toppo Ekka. After switching sides, Basanta Minj strongly criticised the BJP MLA.
TMC candidate Rina Toppo Ekka said that more BJP leaders are in touch with the party and hinted at further defections in the coming days.
Reacting to the development, BJP candidate Durga Murmu alleged that Basanta Minj changed his ideology and claimed that TMC’s influence is declining.
Meanwhile, TMC coordinator Kajal Ghosh stated that the development was expected, alleging that people as well as party workers have lost faith in Durga Murmu, and expressed confidence of a massive victory for TMC in Phansidewa.