In West Bengal, the BJP MLA rejoined the Trinamool Congress

BJP's strength in the House is now 71, BJP will try to disqualify him: Roy

Kolkata: MLA Soumen Roy, who left the BJP in West Bengal and rejoined the Trinamool Congress, has expressed remorse for leaving the party two years ago. He is the fourth MLA to leave the BJP and rejoin the TMC after the state assembly elections in April-May.

With the resignation of Soumen Roy, the BJP's membership in the 294-member assembly has dropped to 71. Roy has been elected from the Kaliyag assembly seat on a BJP ticket. Roy himself said he was restless in the BJP, adding that he wanted to participate in development programs undertaken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Party secretary general Partha Chatterjee said Soumen Roy wanted to be a part of the development of North Bengal in particular, so he has returned to the Trinamool Congress. BJP national vice-president Mukul Roy, who was elected from the Krishnanagar South assembly seat, rejoined the Trinamool Congress in May along with his son Shubhranshu.

Following this, three other BJP MLAs have also dropped their saffron flags and rejoined their old party. The MLAs who have left the BJP will be asked by the party to clarify their stance. After which he will be sought to be disqualified as an MLA.