Days before West Bengal heads into assembly elections, Chandra Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on Sunday switched to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing the BJP of straying from the ideals of the freedom fighter, PTI reported.The former BJP leader was inducted into the ruling party in the presence of state minister Bratya Basu and TMC MP Kirti Azad.“It is not possible to follow Netaji’s ideals while being in the BJP,” Chandra Bose said, alleging that the party promotes “divisive politics”.“Today, we are seeing that the BJP indulges in divisive politics and spreads communal hatred. We must now fight to save India and resist divisive politics,” he said after joining the TMC.Bose had been associated with the BJP since 2016 and had contested the assembly elections that year from Bhabanipur against chief minister Mamata Banerjee but lost.He again entered the fray in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kolkata Dakshin, where he was defeated.Over time, his differences with the BJP leadership grew, culminating in his resignation from the party in September 2023.In recent months, Bose had publicly expressed support for Banerjee’s positions on various issues.On March 27, he described his decision to join the BJP as a “historic blunder” in a social media post, stating, “If the objective of any party is to create division among voters to win elections, I cannot accept that.”West Bengal will vote for its 294-member assembly in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre Command123PhotostoriesSaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in pictures123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty
Days before West Bengal heads into assembly elections, Chandra Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on Sunday switched to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing the BJP of straying from the ideals of the freedom fighter, PTI reported.The former BJP leader was inducted into the ruling party in the presence of state minister Bratya Basu and TMC MP Kirti Azad.“It is not possible to follow Netaji’s ideals while being in the BJP,” Chandra Bose said, alleging that the party promotes “divisive politics”.“Today, we are seeing that the BJP indulges in divisive politics and spreads communal hatred. We must now fight to save India and resist divisive politics,” he said after joining the TMC.Bose had been associated with the BJP since 2016 and had contested the assembly elections that year from Bhabanipur against chief minister Mamata Banerjee but lost.He again entered the fray in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kolkata Dakshin, where he was defeated.Over time, his differences with the BJP leadership grew, culminating in his resignation from the party in September 2023.In recent months, Bose had publicly expressed support for Banerjee’s positions on various issues.On March 27, he described his decision to join the BJP as a “historic blunder” in a social media post, stating, “If the objective of any party is to create division among voters to win elections, I cannot accept that.”West Bengal will vote for its 294-member assembly in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
