Syria Parveen, a prominent BJP leader and key figure in the Sandeshkhali movement, joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday, citing disillusionment with the BJP and feeling suffocated within the party. Parveen, who previously served as the secretary of BJP's Basirhat mandal in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, made the switch at a public event attended by state minister Shashi Panja and TMC Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur.
In her address to reporters, Parveen expressed her dissatisfaction with the BJP, accusing the party of spreading falsehoods about the situation in Sandeshkhali. She highlighted a sting operation video that allegedly showed BJP leaders inciting women and creating unrest in the area.
"I joined the BJP believing they were genuine advocates for women's causes. However, I found that the party is more interested in politicizing issues for its gain rather than addressing real grievances," Parveen lamented.
Declaring her support for Mamata Banerjee's leadership, Parveen pledged to work towards securing a victory for the TMC in the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat, emphasizing the crucial role Sandeshkhali will play in the upcoming elections scheduled for June 1.
In response to Parveen's defection, BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya stated, "Everyone knows that sexual harassment on women in Sandeshkhali was unleashed by local TMC leaders all these years. Ms. Parveen's decision will not change the facts."
