Madan Mitra shifts to Ritabrata's TMC, resigns from Kalighat-faction

Veteran politician and Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra has severed his decades-long ties with Mamata Banerjee to join the opposition camp. On Wednesday, Mitra personally drove from his Bhowanipore residence to the state assembly, where he met with the rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Sitting alongside Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee and Entally MLA Sandipan Saha, Mitra officially announced his resignation from all organizational positions within the pro-Mamata 'Kalighat Trinamool' group.

Following his resignation, Mitra launched a direct attack on Abhishek Banerjee, blaming him entirely for the party's current downfall. The veteran leader stated that the internal collapse and the sinking of the party's boat occurred solely because of Abhishek's actions. Announcing his exit from various high-level positions, Mitra confirmed his resignation from the TMC National Committee, the Working Committee, and his post as General Secretary, as well as stepping down as Mamata Banerjee's Chief Whip. He remarked that he was simply moving "from this house to that house," choosing a modest bed over a couch of happiness.

Mitra’s defection comes at a time when several other loyalist leaders, including Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Javed Khan, and Chandrima Bhattacharya, have already crossed over to the Ritabrata camp. According to political analysts, the domestic equation shifted rapidly after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Mitra's wife and two sons in connection with a municipal recruitment corruption case. Within 24 hours of the central agency's summons, the seasoned politician finalized his departure, delivering a severe blow to Mamata Banerjee's camp ahead of their July 21 rally.