With Mitra’s entry, the rebel group now asserts it has the backing of 60 of the TMC’s original 80 MLAs, leaving the Mamata Banerjee-led faction with only 20 legislators.
The faction was formed after 58 MLAs submitted a letter to the Assembly Speaker, and it claims to have at least 65 members, although a complete list of lawmakers supporting it has not been disclosed.
Who is Madan Mitra?
Madan Mitra has been a prominent figure in West Bengal politics for years. Renowned for his vibrant public persona, organizational abilities, and close ties to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he has significantly contributed to the development of the party since its inception in 1998.
Born on December 3, 1954, in Kolkata, Mitra graduated with a degree in History from Calcutta University in 1976. He began his political journey as president of the students’ union at Ashutosh College in 1973 and previously engaged with the Congress and the Indian Youth Congress, collaborating with former Union minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.
Mitra eventually became the president of the Indian Youth Congress in south Kolkata and was appointed general secretary of the West Bengal Youth Congress in 1990.
During this time, he and Mamata Banerjee were connected to different factions within the Congress.
Prior to joining the TMC, Mitra established a robust organizational network in south Kolkata, working with taxi unions, the staff union at SSKM Hospital, and various local clubs.
When Mamata Banerjee launched the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in 1998, Mitra became one of its founding members. He was appointed the party’s general secretary in 2000 and later took on the role of president of the Trinamool Youth Congress.
Mitra entered the West Bengal Assembly in 2011 after winning the Kamarhati seat in North 24 Parganas. After the TMC secured victory, he joined Mamata Banerjee’s Cabinet, overseeing portfolios like Sports and Youth Affairs and Transport.
Despite losing the 2016 Assembly election, he reclaimed his seat in the 2021 elections and successfully retained it in the 2026 polls.
Investigations and legal cases
His political journey has faced various challenges due to corruption investigations. In December 2014, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested him in connection with the Saradha chit fund case, and he was granted bail after over two years in custody.
He was arrested again by the CBI in 2021 related to the Narada case before securing bail. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned him as it began investigations linked to the alleged municipal recruitment scam.
This latest development arose just a day after the ED summoned his wife, Archana Mitra, and sons, Swarup Mitra and Subhorup Mitra, for questioning, as their names were reportedly linked to financial transactions being scrutinized in the ongoing investigation.
A distinct public image
Unlike many politicians, Mitra is widely noted for his vibrant clothing, designer sunglasses, and active engagement on social media. He frequently interacts with supporters through Facebook Live sessions and has also appeared in Bengali films, including Oh! Lovely.Recent political developments
Mitra recently stepped down from key organizational roles within the Trinamool before aligning himself with Ritabrata Banerjee’s rebel faction. In announcing his decision, he expressed that he remains a member of the TMC, stating, “I have only changed my room, not my house. I am very much in the TMC,” while addressing reporters.
