West Bengal: One-third BJP MLAs did not attend Suvendu Adhikari's meeting with Governor

The absence of MLAs from the meeting has raised speculation of legislators rejoining the TMC.

Around 24 BJP MLAs did not turn up at Suvendu Adhikari's meeting with Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Monday evening. Mr Adhikari who is now the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, had a meeting with the governor in Raj Bhavan to discuss the "post-poll violence in the state and other issues." Of 74 MLAs, 24 were not present in the meeting, most of whom are known to have close proximity with Mukul Roy, who just like Suvendu Adhikari had switched from the TMC to the BJP. Mr Roy, who was the first TMC leader to join the BJP before state assembly elections were held, rejoined the TMC last week along with his son, Subhrangshu. West Bengal Governor said that Mr Adhikari had handed over a memorandum to him that included points about anti-defection law, communal tension at two places and post-poll violence. The possibility of reverse migration is being talked about recently as some former TMC leaders have shown interest of rejoining the ruling party. Meanwhile, the absence of BJP MLAs from the meeting has raised speculation of legislators rejoining the TMC.