Merely two months after resigning from the BJP, incumbent Jhargram MP Kunar Hembram joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday. In the presence of party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during a rally in the constituency, the former BJP MP swore allegiance to the TMC.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the TMC wholeheartedly welcomed the outgoing MP Kunar Hembram to the party. In a statement, the party said, "In the presence of our National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, BJP's outgoing MP from Jhargram, Kunar Hembram, proudly took up the Trinamool Congress flag. We wholeheartedly welcome him to the Trinamool Congress family. Together, we are committed to fighting for the welfare of our Ma, Mati, Manush."
On the margin of the occasion, the former BJP MP also reiterated his allegiance to TMC, stating that he would work for the development of the state under the leadership of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
It is pertinent to note that earlier, citing 'personal reasons', Hembram had tendered his resignation to BJP in March, just ahead of the announcement of the dates for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Speaking to the media regarding any plans to join another party, the Jhargram MP had earlier said, “I want to distance myself from the party for personal reasons. The BJP is a big national party. My leaving it won’t affect its functioning.”
However, now, months after the decision, the incumbent Jhargram MP has cleared the air regarding his next political move.
Meanwhile, BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya downplayed the significance of Hembram's decision to quit the party. He said, "His departure will not affect the BJP in any way. We welcome people who work for the masses, not for tickets. Nominating anyone is the party's decision."
Significantly, Hembram had won the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Jhargram on a BJP ticket but was not nominated by the party this year. While the BJP has nominated Dr. Pranat Tudu, a radiologist and also a Santal, from the seat, TMC is counting on Kalipada Soren, a senior member of the Santal community, to lead the party to victory.
