Around 4,000 CPI(M) workers and supporters in the Marxist stronghold of Khejuri area near Nandigram have deserted the party to join the Trinamool Congress. Trinamool Congress sources claimed that 4,000 Marxist workers and supporters, panchayat pradhans and 'anchal pratinidhis' have joined the party.

Following the exodus, the police seized a huge quantity of arms and ammunition from CPI-M offices, the sources said.

Admitting the exodus, CPI(M)'s East Midnapore district leader Ashok Guria said a large chunk of lower-level workers have deserted the party following violence in the last few days in the area.

Reports said that besides Khodambari-I and II 'anchals', CPI(M) workers at Kamardah, Janka, Vidyapith, Baharganj, Jahanabad and Burtola also joined the Trinamool Congress en masse.

"The trend is continuing with the Trinamool securing full control over CPI(M)'s one-time stronghold of Khejuri," the sources said.