TMC’s 20 rebel Lok Sabha MPs merged with little-known NPCI after defection

Jalpaiguri/Kolkata: West Bengal’s rebel-MP saga got a fresh twist Monday, with Cooch Behar MP Jagadish Prasad Basunia claiming 17 of 20 TMC defectors who joined the little-known NCPI following the Mamata Banerjee-headed party’s defeat in assembly elections in April would cross over to BJP before or soon after Durga Puja in Oct.“All 20 MPs had decided to join BJP. But a problem arose because three MPs from the minority community were not willing to join directly. Delhi (BJP) seniors then facilitated our merger with NCPI,” said Basunia, who too is among the defectors. “…Barring the three, 17 MPs will join BJP. Our plan is ready,” Basunia said, adding Abu Taher, Khalilur Rahman and Yusuf Pathan would be given “portfolios” and support NDA. He said the 17 MPs were “more than two-thirds” of the group and, hence, protected by the anti-defection law.

However, Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said: “He is probably referring to BJP on Mars. The party will not admit anyone who wants to join.” MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said she had no comment. MP Abu Taher said: “I will not join BJP or NDA.”