Madan Mitra, a senior Trinamool Congress MLA from Kamarhati, shifted to the rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The move matters because it reflects an internal realignment inside a major state party with legislative implications.

The shift followed Enforcement Directorate summons to Madan Mitra and his family in an alleged municipal recruitment scam. Madan Mitra also resigned from all posts in the Mamata-led Trinamool Congress while seated beside Ritabrata Banerjee.

Background and earlier position

Madan Mitra had recently been named chief whip of Mamata Banerjee’s supporting MLAs in the Assembly. The rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee was reported to have support from around 65 of the 80 party MLAs, showing a sizeable split within the legislature group.

What changed now