“Mamata has become quite isolated”: Anubrata questions influence around ex-CM Mamata

Former Birbhum leader Anubrata Mondal has openly expressed dissatisfaction with developments inside the Trinamool Congress, blaming political consultancy firm I-PAC for the party's decline and questioning decisions taken by the leadership. Mondal, who has previously spent time in jail in connection with a cattle smuggling case, said the party did not assign him any responsibility during the recent election and stated that he would not continue in the party if he did not receive proper respect. He also made it clear that he had no intention of joining any other political party.

Recalling the party's early years, Mondal said that when the Trinamool Congress was formed in 1998 and Mamata Banerjee was serving as Railway Minister, the party won seven seats without the involvement of political consultants. According to him, grassroots workers built the organisation through their own efforts. He alleged that I-PAC was unnecessary and claimed that the consultancy firm knew little about politics. Mondal further alleged that the organisation accumulated money from people and was responsible for damaging the party's political standing.

Speaking about the recent election, Mondal said he was not entrusted with any responsibility by the party leadership. He stated that during a core committee meeting he had asked about his role but was told not to go anywhere unless specifically called by a legislator. As a result, he said he remained inactive throughout the election campaign. He also acknowledged the BJP's performance, stating that the party worked hard during the election and that its efforts contributed to its victory.

Mondal also reflected on the party's political strategy over the years. He said the Trinamool Congress had originally come to power through an alliance with the Congress and described the subsequent decision to antagonise the Congress as a mistake. He alleged that I-PAC had gained excessive influence within the organisation and remarked that people ignored warnings despite obvious signs of trouble. Referring to Mamata Banerjee, he said she had become increasingly isolated and that it saddened him to see the situation. He added that he did not know whose influence she had come under in the later stages. Reiterating his position, Mondal said that if he was not given respect within the party, he would remain silent and step away from active involvement, while continuing to stay out of other political formations.