Overview

• John Barla, former Union Minister and BJP MP, has officially joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC), citing frustrations over developmental roadblocks within the BJP.
• Barla claims that Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition, obstructed a ₹160 crore railway hospital project in Alipurduar during his tenure.
• Adhikari has issued a legal notice to Barla, denying the allegations and demanding a public apology within seven days.
• Barla's defection is seen as a strategic move by the TMC to strengthen its influence among tribal and tea-garden communities in North Bengal.
• Barla expressed gratitude to Mamata Banerjee for giving him a platform to work for tribal welfare and criticized the BJP for hindering development efforts.