Former TMC MP Dinesh has joined the BJP on Saturday in the presence of party president JP Nadda just days ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

Trivedi, who was once trusted aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accused the TMC supremo of abandoning her principles and alleged that people of West Bengal are distressed with “corruption and violence” under her rule.

"People of the state are distressed with violence and corruption, and are also happy that a real change is now going to happen," he said.

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The development comes just weeks after Trivedi quit his Rajya Sabha membership and claimed that his voice was being stifled in TMC.

After joining BJP, Trivedi said that he was earlier in the party that served only one family and is now joining a party that serves people. “The family is supreme in some parties but it is people who are supreme in the BJP. The saffron party would not have seen such growth if it had not put the interests of the country foremost,” he said.

Trivedi also praised the Modi government for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the issues involving neighbouring countries.

Slamming its former member for switching over to the BJP, the TMC said he is ungrateful, “For the last so many years, he did not say anything. Now, just before the state assembly polls, he has made complaints about the party. He is ungrateful and has betrayed people of the state," said Kunal Ghosh, TMC spokesperson.

The West Bengal assembly elections will take place in eight phases starting from March 27. Results will be declared on May 2.

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