Kolkata: Mala Roy, a long-time confidante of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Member of Parliament from Kolkata South, has severed ties with the Trinamool Congress. She resigned as the president of the Trinamool Mahila Congress on June 8, citing personal reasons. Following her exit, the party appointed Kaliganj MLA Alifa Ahmed as the new president of the women's wing on Friday.
Historical Context of Kolkata South Seat
Since Mamata Banerjee's first Lok Sabha victory from the Kolkata South constituency in 1991 on a Congress ticket, the seat has remained with Trinamool. Banerjee represented it until 2011, after which Subrata Bakshi held it for two terms. Mala Roy has been the MP since 2019. However, the BJP has gained ground in four of the seven assembly segments under this Lok Sabha seat.
Details of Resignation Letter
In a letter dated June 8 addressed to the All India Trinamool Congress chairperson, which was accessed by TOI, Roy wrote: “I am grateful to you for reposing confidence in me and entrusting me with this important responsibility. Having served as chairperson of the Trinamool Congress for the past few years with utmost sincerity and dedication, I have always endeavoured to discharge my responsibilities to the best of my abilities. However, due to certain personal circumstances, I find myself unable to continue in the said office and, therefore, consider it appropriate to step down from the post.” Roy did not respond to calls from TOI.
Political Background
Roy has been a key figure in Kolkata politics, serving as chairperson of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation board and as a councillor. After Trinamool's electoral setbacks, Banerjee restructured the party and appointed Roy as president of the women's wing. Her resignation comes amid a rebellion by 19 Trinamool MPs who formed a separate bloc and sought recognition from the Speaker, claiming to be the “real Trinamool Congress”. Screenshots of their signatures, including Roy's, surfaced on Friday.
Legal Troubles
On May 21, Roy surrendered before the chief judicial magistrate at Alipore court and secured bail along with her son and 22 others in a case involving the alleged assault of a BJP worker and threats at gunpoint on election result day. They were booked under the Arms Act and BNS sections.
New Appointment
On Friday, West Bengal Trinamool Congress president Chandrima Bhattacharya sent a letter to Ahmed appointing her as the new president of the women's wing, with Banerjee's approval. Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra shared the news on social media. Ahmed told TOI: “I sincerely want to express my gratitude to Mamata Banerjee. In these difficult times, she has entrusted me with a great responsibility and believed that I might be able to fulfill this role. All I want to say is that the party is currently going through a tough time. However, I will give my best and try to fulfill my responsibility with the utmost dedication. At the same time, I appeal to all women, especially those associated with the women's wing, to work together for the women of Bengal and strengthen our party organization and our neta's hands.”
Party Reaction
A senior Trinamool functionary commented: “We were surprised to see Mala Roy changing camps. But then it is understandable that in the changed political situation, she has taken the decision under compulsion.”
