Anubrata Mandal, a senior Trinamool Congress leader and Birbhum strongman, has joined the rebel camp led by West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee. The move was announced on Saturday, with Mandal appointed as the rebel group’s Birbhum district president.
Why Anubrata Mandal’s exit matters for TMC
Mandal has been a key figure in Birbhum and a long-time ally of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has publicly defended him through political and legal controversies. Despite his influence, he has never contested elections, preferring to shape strategy behind the scenes.
Recent differences over party decisions, including the TMC’s stance toward Congress, reportedly led to his discontent. Mandal had hinted at reconsidering his political future if not given due respect.
How the rebel camp secured Mandal
The shift gained momentum on Friday after former Deputy Speaker Ashish Bandyopadhyay, now with the rebel camp, met Ritabrata Banerjee at the Assembly. A rebel legislator later contacted Mandal to discuss his induction and role, which he accepted.
Neither Mandal nor the Trinamool Congress has officially commented on the development. The rebel camp’s formal announcement came on Saturday, marking a potential shift in Birbhum’s political landscape.
