States » EastPosted at: Nov 13 2026 11:51PM


Bengal's Opposition leaders share Congress stage: Prasun Banerjee hints at Trinamool homecoming

Kolkata, Nov 13 (UNI) Five months after joining the NCPI following the political split in the Trinamool Congress, Howrah MP Prasun Banerjee has hinted at a possible return to the Mamata Banerjee camp, saying he would “come back” even as he remains part of another political outfit.
Banerjee dropped the hint on Friday while attending a programme in central Kolkata to unveil a statue of former union minister and Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi on his birth anniversary. Sitting beside Kunal Ghosh, the Mamata loyalist and Beleghata MLA, Banerjee was asked about his political future.
“I have changed parties many times on the sporting field. I am now in a political party, but I will come back again,” he said, fuelling speculation about a possible return to the Trinamool faction led by Mamata Banerjee.
Banerjee was among the 20 Trinamool MPs who joined the NCPI after the party suffered a major split following the 2026 Assembly elections. The breakaway faction, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, had formed a separate political outfit, with a section of legislators also moving away from the parent organisation.
The political future of the two factions remains uncertain, particularly over the ownership of the Trinamool Congress name and its familiar twin-flower symbol. The Election Commission is yet to take a final call on the dispute, with both sides submitting documents to establish their respective claims.
Banerjee's remarks assume significance against the backdrop of growing political pressure on the breakaway MPs. Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has already approached the authorities seeking disqualification of the MPs who switched allegiance. The matter is yet to be decided.
The MPs have also faced criticism from sections of the electorate, with the Mamata-led faction challenging them to seek votes without relying on the former chief minister's political appeal.
Political observers believe Banerjee's statement could reflect the uncertainty within the breakaway camp, particularly as the battle over the party's identity and electoral support continues.
Friday's programme also brought together leaders from rival political camps. Senior Trinamool leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay and Ritabrata camp MLA Madan Mitra were seen sharing the platform, while veteran CPIM leader Biman Bose was also present.
Mitra, meanwhile, made favourable remarks about the Mamata-led faction. He said he was happy with the recent organisational developments and claimed that Mamata had entrusted Kunal Ghosh and Kalyan Banerjee with responsibilities after sidelining Abhishek.
“If things continue this way, the future of the Trinamool Congress could change,” Mitra said.
The gathering, ostensibly organised to honour Dasmunsi, offered an unexpected glimpse into the shifting equations within Bengal's fractured political landscape. UNI RC NST CDS
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