Mamata confidant, who defeated Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, resigns from Trinamool

In a major political development ahead of the upcoming July 21 rally, former West Bengal Power Minister and ex-Rajya Sabha MP Manish Gupta announced his decision to leave the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The veteran politician and former bureaucrat revealed that he would soon formally submit his resignation to party supremo Mamata Banerjee. Gupta, who has decided to retire completely from active politics, openly praised the current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for his administrative initiatives and governance.

A retired 1966-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Gupta served as the Chief Secretary of West Bengal during the Left Front regime. He made a stunning entry into active electoral politics in the landmark 2011 Assembly elections, contesting as a Trinamool Congress candidate from the high-profile Jadavpur constituency. In a historic political upset, he defeated the sitting incumbent Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, effectively ending a 24-year unbeaten record in that seat. Following this victory, Mamata Banerjee appointed him a state cabinet minister despite his past administrative role during the controversial 1993 Youth Congress rally police firing incident.

The announcement comes amidst a broader organizational crisis within the Trinamool Congress, following its recent electoral setback in the 26th Assembly elections. The exit of the prominent leader further underscores the shifting political landscape in West Bengal, with numerous high-profile representatives defecting to other political factions. Addressing the media, Gupta stated that he felt there was nothing more for him to contribute within the party, prompting his swift departure to avoid wasting further time.