Mamata under pressure! Third Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik quits, hints at BJP move
New Delhi/IBNS: In another setback for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik on Thursday resigned from both the Upper House of Parliament and the primary membership of the party amid growing internal turmoil.
Announcing his decision, Baraik said he was stepping down while respecting the mandate of the people. "I have resigned respecting the people's mandate which went in favour of the BJP."
He further stated: "I will work towards development as per the directions of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari."
The remark has fuelled intense speculation that Baraik may soon join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Photo: IBNS source
Who Is Prakash Chik Baraik?
A prominent tribal leader from North Bengal, Baraik rose through the ranks of the TMC by working extensively among tea garden workers and tribal communities.
He served as the TMC district president of Alipurduar and played a key role in strengthening the party's presence in the region.
In August 2023, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal and was regarded as one of the TMC's most important tribal faces in North Bengal.
Why His Exit Matters
Baraik's political influence stems from his strong grassroots connection in the tea belt and tribal-dominated areas of North Bengal.
His nomination to the Rajya Sabha was widely seen as an effort by Mamata Banerjee to bolster the party's outreach in North Bengal and strengthen its tribal representation.
His resignation is therefore being viewed as a significant political blow to the TMC leadership.
Third Rajya Sabha Resignation in a Week
Baraik has become the third TMC Rajya Sabha member to resign within a week, signalling growing unrest within the party.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Sushmita Dev resigned from both their parliamentary positions and the party.
The developments have raised questions over Mamata Banerjee's grip on the party's leadership and organisation.
Rebellion Spreads to Bengal Assembly
The crisis is not limited to Parliament.
According to reports, around 60 TMC MLAs led by Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha have formed a separate bloc in rebellion against TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The reported revolt has further intensified the political uncertainty within the ruling party.
Buzz Over Mamata's Return to Congress
Amid the turmoil, reports have claimed that senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has offered Mamata Banerjee the option of returning to the Congress party.
Mamata began her political career in Congress before breaking away to form the TMC in 1998.
The reported offer was allegedly discussed during her recent visit to Delhi for an INDIA bloc meeting.
Separately, Abhishek Banerjee is also reported to have held talks with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, adding to speculation over possible political realignments in the opposition camp.
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