Another setback to Mamata: Didi confidant Anubrata Mandal joins rebel camp

NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Anubrata Mandal joined the rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee Saturday serving another blow to the Trinamool Congress (TMC).The talks of Mandal joining the rebel camp was ongoing but the confirmation came as Ritabrata announced presidents of several districts, naming Mandal as the Birbhum chief."We have appointed the Presidents of various districts. Prasun Banerjee has been made the President of Malda district, Debashis Kumar of South Kolkata district, Sandipan Saha of North Kolkata district, Anubrata Mandal of the Birbhum district," he said.Once considered one of Mamata Banerjee's closest aides, Anubrata Mondal remained tight-lipped about his political plans since the May 4 results, even as several prominent Birbhum MLAs, including former minister Chandranath Sinha and Kajal Sheikh, joined the rebel camp. Mondal spent 25 months in jail in connection with an alleged cattle smuggling case before securing bail in September 2024.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.