In the bustling political landscape of West Bengal, the upcoming Assembly election has set the stage for a flurry of surprising moves and strategic alliances. Among the notable figures making waves is MLA Tapasi Mondal, representing the Haldia constituency, who recently made headlines with her switch from the BJP to the TMC. This shift marks the second major transition in her political career, following her initial election as a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 2016.
The West Bengal Assembly Elections of 2026 are poised to be a pivotal moment in the state’s political trajectory, with leaders like Tapasi Mondal at the forefront of evolving alliances and ideological shifts. As the countdown to the election begins, Mondal’s decision to join the Trinamool Congress under the leadership of CM Mamata Banerjee has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among political observers and constituents alike.
Tapasi Mondal’s Political Journey
Tapasi Mondal’s entry into the political arena dates back to the 2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, where she contested as a candidate of the Left Front coalition in the Haldia constituency of Purba Medinipur district. In a closely watched race against TMC candidate Madhurima Mandal, Mondal emerged victorious with a significant margin of over 21,000 votes, securing 50.17% of the votes cast. This victory marked the beginning of Mondal’s political career, positioning her as a rising star within the CPI(M) ranks.
However, the political landscape underwent a seismic shift in 2020 when Mondal made headlines once again by defecting to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move came amidst a larger realignment of political forces in Haldia, a region historically dominated by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Mondal’s decision to join the BJP was seen as a strategic move to leverage the party’s growing influence in the area, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in the subsequent elections.
A Tale of Allegiances and Allegations
The twists and turns in Mondal’s political journey took a dramatic turn on March 10, 2025, when she officially joined the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata, marking a significant shift in her loyalties. This move, coming on the heels of her vocal criticism of the TMC in 2021, raised questions about the underlying motivations and dynamics driving Mondal’s political calculus.
In the lead-up to her defection, Mondal had accused TMC operatives of hurling crude bombs at her residence in Purba Medinipur, alleging a targeted campaign of intimidation ahead of the 2021 Bengal Assembly elections. These incendiary allegations underscored the high stakes and intense rivalries that define the political landscape in West Bengal, where power struggles and personal vendettas often play out in the public eye.
As Mondal navigates the complex web of alliances and animosities that define West Bengal politics, her journey serves as a microcosm of the larger forces at play in the state’s tumultuous electoral landscape. With the 2026 Assembly elections looming on the horizon, Mondal’s defection to the TMC adds another layer of intrigue and uncertainty to an already volatile political climate.
In the fast-paced world of West Bengal politics, where allegiances are fluid and alliances are forged and broken with lightning speed, Tapasi Mondal’s journey from CPI(M) to BJP to TMC encapsulates the ever-shifting dynamics of power and influence. As the countdown to the 2026 Assembly elections begins, all eyes are on Mondal and other key players in the high-stakes game of political chess unfolding in the state. Only time will tell how Mondal’s latest move will impact the electoral landscape and shape the future of West Bengal politics.
The saga of Tapasi Mondal’s political odyssey continues to unfold, captivating audiences and pundits alike with its twists and turns. As the dust settles and the countdown to the 2026 Assembly elections begins in earnest, Mondal’s story stands as a testament to the enduring drama and intrigue that define the world of Indian politics. With each new chapter, Mondal’s journey sheds light on the complex interplay of ambition, loyalty, and power that drives the wheels of democracy in West Bengal and beyond.
