Kolkata, May 15 — In a significant political shift ahead of the 2024 general elections, former Union minister and ex-BJP MP from Alipurduars, John Barla, joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday, alleging that the BJP leadership obstructed his efforts to serve tribal communities and tea garden workers.
Barla, who served as Minister of State for Minority Affairs after being elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 on a BJP ticket, had recently distanced himself from the party following its decision to deny him a renomination. The BJP chose legislative chief whip Manoj Tigga as its candidate for the Alipurduar seat, which Tigga eventually won.
Barla Alleges Repeated Obstruction by BJP Leadership
Barla accused the BJP of consistently blocking developmental initiatives. "When I became a Union minister, I faced roadblocks whenever I tried to work for the people. The party leadership repeatedly stopped me," he stated after joining the TMC in Kolkata, flanked by senior leaders Subrata Bakshi and Aroop Biswas.He specifically cited a proposed ₹160 crore hospital project. "All formalities were complete, including land identification. We just had to sign the MoU. But Suvendu Adhikari, the current Opposition Leader, got it blocked. A call went from here to Delhi, and the project was shelved," Barla claimed.
Disillusionment Over BJP’s Treatment of Tribal and Tea Worker Communities
Barla, once a key tribal face of the BJP in North Bengal, voiced frustration over the party’s neglect of the region’s tribal and tea garden communities. “The people, especially tea garden workers and tribals, supported the BJP wholeheartedly. But what did they get in return?” he asked.He added that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered him a chance to serve the people meaningfully. “She asked me to come forward and work for the people. That’s why I’m joining TMC,” Barla said.
TMC Welcomes Barla, Sees Strategic Boost
Welcoming the former BJP MP, the TMC expressed confidence in Barla’s ability to connect with grassroots communities. "With his experience and grassroots connections, especially in Alipurduar and among tea garden workers, we are confident he will play a meaningful role in strengthening our fight for people’s rights,” the party stated in a post on X.Fallout with BJP Linked to Electoral Setbacks
Barla’s rift with the BJP leadership, particularly with Manoj Tigga, is believed to have weakened the party’s hold in the region. Their differences reportedly affected the BJP’s performance in the 2023 Madarihat assembly bypoll, which the TMC won.Controversial Past and Political Repositioning
Barla stirred controversy in 2021–22 when he and other BJP legislators called for creating a Union Territory out of North Bengal districts. The TMC had condemned the proposal, accusing the BJP of trying to divide the state.His move to the TMC is seen as a personal political realignment and a strategic gain for Mamata Banerjee’s party in North Bengal.
