Trinamool MLA Madan Mitra defects to Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction

Kolkata, July 15, 2026: In a significant political development, Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra on Wednesday switched sides from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction to the rebel camp headed by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee. The move comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate issued summons to Mitra and his family members in connection with the municipal recruitment scam.

Mitra, a long-time loyalist of Mamata Banerjee and the MLA from Kamarhati, had been recently appointed as the chief whip of MLAs supporting her in the West Bengal Assembly. His defection adds to a growing list of leaders who have left the Mamata Banerjee faction following the party's defeat in the recent state elections. Others include former ministers Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, and Chandrima Bhattacharya.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mitra visited the chamber of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and was seen seated next to Ritabrata Banerjee, wearing black sunglasses. He announced his resignation from all posts in the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress while sitting beside the rebel leader. “I was in the Trinamool, I remained in the Trinamool. I just went from this room to that room,” Mitra said, downplaying the move as a shift within the party.

Mitra stated that he had sent a message to Mamata Banerjee, expressing regret. “She (Mamata Banerjee) has been by our side for a long time. We have also tried to do more or less,” he added.

The Ritabrata Banerjee camp now claims the support of approximately 65 out of the 80 Trinamool MLAs in the state assembly. With Mitra's departure, the Mamata Banerjee faction will need to appoint a new chief whip. Additionally, 20 Trinamool Lok Sabha MPs and three Rajya Sabha MPs have previously deserted the Mamata Banerjee camp, with the latter resigning and being re-nominated as BJP candidates.