The BJP nominating three former TMC MPs for the Rajya Sabha bypolls immediately after inducting them into its fold signals the ruling party was now focused on consolidating its position in state politics through selective accommodation of opposition leaders and organisational expansion.
Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik joined the BJP on Thursday and were named the party's candidates for the Rajya Sabha bypolls from West Bengal within hours.