KOLKATA: TMC MP Kirti Azad on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of pressuring opposition MPs through “Operation Lotus”, while asserting that the Trinamool Congress will not bow to such tactics.Azad told ANI that MPs who initially refused to sign were subjected to pressure, including police deployment outside their residences and the demolition of some homes. He further claimed that families were intimidated, creating an atmosphere of fear among lawmakers.Citing first-time MP Bapi Haldar, Azad said his house was completely demolished and he was among the eight MPs who eventually signed under pressure. He added that the BJP now needs their support to secure a two-thirds majority.“The way those MPs who didn’t sign were pressured. BJP people were sitting in their houses, police were guarding them from outside. Houses of many were demolished, vandalised. Families were intimidated and threatened. Many got scared. See the list–first eight agreed, including Bapi Halder, a first-time MP whose house was completely demolished. He was trembling, but he signed. Two more MPs followed. Now, the BJP needs them too. Usually, they abuse them, but now they need two-thirds,” he said.He further detailed the treatment of other MPs, including Mitali Bag, a first-time MP, alleging that her house was “completely demolished” in what he described as deliberate vandalism. He also mentioned Mala Roy, saying she is the latest to have signed after meeting Bhupender Yadav, adding that she was initially untraceable but later gave her consent.Azad also highlighted alleged coordination from BJP leader Nishikant Dubey’s residence. “Everything is happening from Nishikant Dubey’s house. I know my man is there, telling me what’s happening. Nishikant is like a younger brother to me, a master strategist, and he loves Nehru a lot. First meet Bhupender Yadav, then Suvendu Adhikari brings flowers, it’s clearly the BJP’s game,” he said.Commenting on Kalyan Banerjee’s recent remarks on Mamata Banerjee, Azad said, “Nothing to worry, everything is settled. He is emotional and stays a bit angry. He has been with Didi in good times and will continue.”Meanwhile, Azad further criticised Operation Lotus on X.“I just couldn’t hold myself to post on Twitter. How Operation Lotus under Amit Shah is operating. Prakash Barik, who resigned as Rajya Sabha member, gave his press bite in front of late Nehru’s lover Nishikant Dubey’s house. This follows some MPs meeting Bhupender Yadav and Suvendu Adhikari bringing flowers to Satabdi Roy’s house. So far, Operation Lotus has failed,” he wrote on X.Azad further said the BJP is pressuring him by withdrawing his security cover, but asserted that he will not succumb to the tactics and has received multiple calls from party MPs and officials.“They are pressuring me by taking away my security and home guards. I won’t succumb to these nasty tactics. I have received numerous calls from BJP MPs and organisational people,” he wrote.His remarks come amid internal turmoil within the TMC following its poor performance in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, with reports of a widening rift between the central leadership under Mamata Banerjee and party veterans.A group of 19 MPs, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Satabdi Roy, reportedly submitted their names to the Lok Sabha Speaker on May 18, according to sources, seeking separate seating arrangements—an indication of a possible split within the party.The list of MPs also includes Bapi Haldar, Dr. Sharmila Sarkar, Prasun Bandyopadhyay, Jagadish Barma Basunia, Asit Kumar Mal, Arup Chakraborty, Rachna Banerjee, Saayoni Ghosh, Khalilur Rahaman, Abu Taher Khan, Yusuf Pathan, Mitali Bag, Mala Roy, Kalipada Soren, Deepak Adhikari, June Malia, and Partha Bhowmick.Recent resignations include Rajya Sabha MPs Sushmita Dev (June 10), Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (June 8), and Prakash Chik Baraik (June 11). Rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction claims support of 64 MLAs and is preparing to submit a formal letter to the Speaker.Meanwhile, reports of rebel TMC MPs meeting Union minister Bhupender Yadav and BJP leaders in West Bengal have sparked speculation about a possible alignment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, no official merger has been confirmed so far. Any such move would also have to comply with the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority for a valid split.(With agency inputs)
