Madan Mitra, a founding member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a long-time ally of Mamata Banerjee, has left the party to join the rebel faction. His departure follows a series of defections that have weakened the party after its electoral loss in Bengal.
Mitra, known for his flamboyant persona and unwavering loyalty to Banerjee, cited ineffectiveness within the party as his reason for resigning. He blamed Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata’s nephew and a Lok Sabha MP, for the ongoing crisis in TMC.
Madan Mitra’s political journey with Mamata Banerjee
Mitra and Banerjee’s political bond dates back to their Youth Congress days in the 1990s. He stood by her during key moments, including a 1993 police firing on a protest that left 13 dead and Banerjee injured. When she formed TMC in 1998, Mitra was among the first to join, despite the Left Front’s dominance in Bengal at the time.
As TMC grew, Mitra became one of Banerjee’s most trusted aides, playing a crucial role in building the party’s organizational base. He served as the party’s general secretary and later as a minister in Banerjee’s cabinet after TMC’s historic 2011 victory, which ended the Left’s 34-year rule in Bengal.
Setbacks and loyalty tested
Mitra’s career faced challenges, including his arrest in the 2015 Saradha chit fund case, which led to his removal as a minister. Despite this, Banerjee continued to support him, highlighting their enduring political relationship.
Mitra’s departure is symbolic, given his decades of loyalty. While it may not significantly alter the rebel faction’s electoral strength—already bolstered by over 60 defecting MLAs—it underscores the erosion of Banerjee’s inner circle. The move follows earlier defections, including 20 Lok Sabha MPs aligning with the BJP-led NDA.
Banerjee, known for her resilience, may yet regroup, but Mitra’s exit marks a significant moment in TMC’s ongoing turmoil.
