Madan Mitra Defects from TMC, Joins West Bengal Rebel Faction

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Madan Mitra resigned from all party posts on July 15 and joined the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. Mitra said the party had become “fragmented” and accused General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee of monopolising power, adding that he had urged Abhishek to step aside for six months to a year but was refused. He also noted that his wife and son had been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate, a factor he did not dismiss in the timing of his exit.

Mamata Banerjee responded that the party could be “restarted” if necessary, comparing the situation to the 2006 rebuilding of TMC and stating she could do the same in 2026. She said leaders leaving out of fear of central agencies were free to go and that such departures would not affect the party’s continuity. The rebel group, claiming support from dozens of TMC MLAs, is seeking official recognition from the Election Commission.

The defections come amid a broader crisis for TMC after its loss in the West Bengal Assembly elections and the resignation of other prominent members, including actress‑turned‑MP Koel Mallick, who left the Rajya Sabha shortly after Mitra’s move.