Kolkata: Barring a few exceptions, most senior former ministers from the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal cabinet (2011–2026) have shifted to the Trinamool Congress’ “rebel majority” faction led by expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. The latest to join the camp is former Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) and former state president Chandrima Bhattacharya.

Bhattacharya, who lost in the recently concluded Assembly elections, resigned from all party posts on Saturday and later held a meeting with leaders of the rebel faction.

Chandrima Bhattacharya Cites Lack of Trust

After resigning, Bhattacharya said she decided to quit after Mamata Banerjee questioned her loyalty following the rebel faction’s takeover of the Trinamool Congress’ main party office in Kolkata.

She also alleged that she was not allowed to function independently during her tenure as Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge).

Several Former Ministers Back Rebel Faction

With Bhattacharya’s exit, almost the entire previous state cabinet has moved to the rebel camp. Senior former ministers who have joined include Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Javed Ahmed Khan, Jyotipriya Mallick, Siuli Saha and Arup Roy.

Among them, Hakim, Khan, Saha and Roy continue to serve as MLAs. Arup Roy was also appointed chairman of the newly formed National Working Committee (NWC) of the rebel faction last month.

Some Leaders Yet to Reveal Their Stand

Former ministers Bratya Basu, Shashi Panja and Soumen Mahapatra have not officially declared whether they will remain with Mamata Banerjee or join the rebel faction.

Meanwhile, senior Trinamool leader Madan Mitra remains one of the few prominent leaders to publicly reaffirm his loyalty to Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

Following Chandrima Bhattacharya’s resignation, the post of Trinamool Congress state president remains vacant, with no successor announced so far.