Setback for BJP as Former Union Minister John Barla Joins TMC

High-profile defection adds momentum to TMC ahead of West Bengal assembly polls

In a major political shift ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, former Union Minister and BJP leader John Barla has joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The move is seen as a significant blow to the BJP's campaign in the state, boosting TMC's prospects with increased regional support.

Ahead of the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, the BJP has suffered a setback when former Union Minister John Barla decided to join the Trinamool Congress. Barla formally entered the party in the presence of Trinamool state secretary Subrata Bakshi and minister Arup Biswas. Subrata Bakshi said that Barla is dissatisfied with the state BJP and impressed by the work of Mamata Banerjee, he had expressed his desire to join Trinamool, which Mamata Banerjee accepted.

John Barla was one of the prominent leaders of the BJP. He won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket and assumed the post of MP. Apart from this, John Barla also served as Minister of State for Minority Development at the Center.

However, circumstances changed in 2024. In the last Lok Sabha elections, the BJP gave a ticket to Manoj Tigga from his constituency Alipurduar, and he lived up to the party's expectations by winning the election. Since then speculation of changing the party has intensified.

In the press conference, Barla clarified why he had to decide to leave the BJP. He says that he had to face many challenges while working as a minister.