West Bengal: TMC MLA Madan Mitra joins rebel camp
The political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on July 15, as senior party leader and former West Bengal minister Madan Mitra resigned from the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit and joined the rebel faction headed by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee.
Mitra’s departure marks another significant setback for the former Chief Minister as the party continues to grapple with internal dissent, leadership challenges and defections in the aftermath of its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Soon after joining the dissident camp, Mitra attempted to downplay the move, remarking that he had “only changed my room in the Assembly.” However, his subsequent comments reflected deep dissatisfaction with the current functioning of the party and its leadership structure.
Sharp attack on Abhishek Banerjee
Launching a direct attack on TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Mitra alleged that the party had become excessively centred around a single individual.
According to Mitra, he had previously suggested that Abhishek Banerjee temporarily step aside to allow senior leaders to rebuild the organisation after the party’s electoral setback.
Claiming that the party leadership rejected such suggestions, Mitra said the organisation had prioritised protecting Abhishek Banerjee over addressing broader concerns within the party.
“The party belongs to everyone, yet it seems to have been reduced to serving only Abhishek,” Mitra said, while urging Mamata Banerjee to reconsider the party’s direction.
His remarks are among the strongest public criticisms made by a senior TMC leader against Abhishek Banerjee since the party’s defeat earlier this year.
Resigns from party posts, retains MLA position
Mitra announced that he had resigned from all positions within the Trinamool Congress but would continue as a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
While retaining his Assembly membership, he said he no longer considered himself a Trinamool Congress legislator in practical terms, having severed all organisational ties with the party.
His resignation adds another prominent name to the growing list of leaders distancing themselves from Mamata Banerjee’s leadership following the electoral setback.
ED summons add to Political turbulence
The development comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Mitra’s wife and two sons in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam.
Although no direct link has been established between the summons and Mitra’s political decision, the timing has added another dimension to the unfolding political developments in West Bengal.
The veteran leader has remained under political scrutiny in recent years amid multiple investigations involving TMC leaders and functionaries.
Growing rebellion within TMC
The rebellion within the Trinamool Congress began shortly after the party suffered a decisive defeat to the BJP in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Ritabrata Banerjee, who was earlier expelled from the party, emerged as the face of the dissident movement and has since attracted support from several TMC legislators and senior leaders.
The rebel faction has claimed that it enjoys the backing of a majority of Trinamool legislators and has gone on to elect Ritabrata Banerjee as its legislative leader. It has also announced a parallel organisational structure and declared itself the “real” Trinamool Congress.
Reacting to Mitra’s exit, Mamata Banerjee said, “Those who are using Abhishek as an excuse to leave the party are only making excuses. Abhishek is still fighting and continues to stand by the people. There is no point in hiding behind such excuses.”
She also recalled the time when central agencies questioned Abhishek Banerjee’s family. “When the ED and the CBI summoned Abhishek’s wife, she went to the CBI office with their one-and-a-half-year-old child. They did not back down out of fear at that time,” she said.
Battle for party name and symbol
The dissident group has approached the Election Commission seeking official recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress. The faction is staking claim to the party’s name, election symbol and organisational assets.
Political observers view Madan Mitra’s entry into the rebel camp as a significant boost for Ritabrata Banerjee’s efforts to strengthen the breakaway faction and challenge Mamata Banerjee’s authority.
A long-time Trinamool leader known for his grassroots influence and mass appeal, Mitra’s defection is expected to further intensify the internal struggle within the party.
With the dissident camp continuing to attract senior leaders and legislators, the battle for control over the Trinamool Congress appears set to become one of the most closely watched political developments in West Bengal.
