Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) suffered another political setback on Wednesday after senior leader and Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra resigned from the party and joined the rebel Trinamool Congress faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee. The development marks another blow to the ruling party amid growing internal dissent and a series of high-profile defections that have weakened its organisational structure in recent months.
Mitra, a veteran TMC leader known for his unwavering loyalty to Mamata Banerjee even during the party's recent internal turmoil, announced that he was severing all ties with the Trinamool Congress. While he continues to hold his position as an MLA, he clarified that he has resigned from all party posts and no longer considers himself a Trinamool legislator in a functional sense.
Explaining the reasons behind his exit, Mitra levelled sharp criticism at TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, accusing the party leadership of prioritising one individual over the organisation's survival. He claimed that his repeated suggestions to rebuild the party's grassroots structure were ignored.
"I had suggested to Abhishek Banerjee that he should step aside for six months or even a year. I told him that we should first rebuild and strengthen the party, after which he could return and reclaim his position. But he refused. He said he would not leave the party," Mitra said while announcing his decision.
Launching a scathing attack on the party's current leadership, Mitra alleged that the Trinamool Congress had become excessively centred around Abhishek Banerjee.
"The party is sinking; the boat has gone under. People are dying. Yet, the party decided—or rather it was forced to accept—that everyone else could die, but Abhishek had to be saved. It is deeply saddening. The party belongs to everyone, yet it seems to have been reduced to serving only Abhishek," he said.
Despite his departure, Mitra struck a conciliatory tone towards Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing hope that their political paths would cross again.
"I earnestly request Mamata ji to come. Let us view this as a marathon. We will surely cross paths along the way. Let us see which horse surges ahead," he remarked.
His move comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress has been grappling with internal divisions and a string of defections following recent political setbacks. The rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has been attracting several dissatisfied leaders, raising concerns about the party's cohesion ahead of future political battles.
Mitra's exit is particularly significant because he had remained one of Mamata Banerjee's most recognisable and vocal supporters for years. His decision to switch camps is likely to intensify speculation over growing dissatisfaction within the TMC rank and file and could further embolden dissident leaders.
The Trinamool Congress has not yet issued an official response to Madan Mitra's resignation or the allegations he made against Abhishek Banerjee. Political observers believe the latest defection could deepen the crisis within the party as it seeks to contain rebellion and rebuild its organisation after a turbulent period.
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