Kolkata
‘Operation Lotus’ Allegations Resurface Amid TMC Internal Turmoil
Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to engineer defections from the Mamata Banerjee-led party through “Operation Lotus”. Citing a series of recent political developments, Azad claimed that efforts to weaken the TMC have so far been unsuccessful.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad on Friday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to orchestrate defections from the ruling West Bengal party through what is popularly referred to as “Operation Lotus.”
In a post on social media platform X, Azad claimed that the BJP, under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was trying to engineer a split within the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, but asserted that the efforts had not yielded the desired results.
“Operation Lotus under the guidance of Amit Shah is underway,” Azad wrote, while maintaining that the alleged exercise had “failed so far.”
To support his allegations, the former cricketer-turned-politician pointed to a series of recent political developments that he described as evidence of “an organised attempt” to destabilise the party.
Among the instances cited by Azad was the resignation of Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik, followed by his interaction with the media outside the Delhi residence of BJP leader Nishikant Dubey. He also referred to reports of a meeting involving dissident TMC MPs at the residence of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, as well as BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s visit to the residence of TMC MP Satabdi Roy.
Azad argued that these events, when viewed together, suggested a coordinated effort aimed at encouraging defections and creating divisions within the Trinamool Congress ahead of crucial political contests.
The BJP has frequently rejected allegations of conducting “Operation Lotus” in various states, maintaining that leaders who choose to join the party do so voluntarily due to dissatisfaction with their existing political organisations.
The latest remarks come amid heightened speculation over internal discontent within the Trinamool Congress following recent resignations and reports of differences among some of its leaders. However, the TMC leadership has repeatedly maintained that the party remains united.
As the political narrative intensifies, the developments are expected to fuel further debate over the use of political strategies to expand party influence and the stability of regional political formations.
