Ritabrata Banerjee, previously a lesser-known politician except for occasional controversies, has emerged as a key figure in a significant rebellion within the Trinamool Congress. His political journey began with the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), where he rose from leading the Students Federation of India (SFI) to being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. However, his expulsion due to allegations of a lavish lifestyle and romantic entanglements halted his progress.
Some insiders suggest that Anil Biswas, the then Secretary of the State CPI-M unit, played a mentoring role in Banerjee’s career. Others attribute his rise in the party to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister of the Left Front. Despite facing setbacks, including losing a by-election in 2011, Banerjee’s political troubles intensified in 2017 when allegations of moral misconduct led to his suspension and eventual expulsion from the CPI-M.
Following his expulsion, Banerjee criticized the party leadership and later joined the Trinamool Congress in 2018. Initially focusing on tribal welfare initiatives in North Bengal, he gradually rose within the party ranks. Despite setbacks in the 2021 Assembly elections, Banerjee’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha by-elections showcased his political resilience. However, recent controversies, including his expulsion from the Trinamool Congress, have sparked a significant political crisis within the party.
