West Bengal's Trinamool Congress rebel MLA Kasem Siddiqui has quit the Ritabrata Banerjee faction and announced his return to Mamata Banerjee's camp. The move comes amid a fierce intra‑party battle over opposition leadership and a pending floor test in the state assembly.

  • Kasim Siddiqui leaves Ritabrata Banerjee’s rebel bloc and declares his return to Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
  • He reaffirms his loyalty, stating he has always been with "Didi" and will continue to be.
  • The shift adds a new twist to the ongoing tussle over a floor test in the West Bengal Assembly.

Background

Kasim Siddiqui, the MLA from Amdanga in North 24 Parganas, joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) last year and quickly rose to become a party general secretary. He hails from the influential Furfura Sharif shrine in Hooghly, giving him substantial sway among sections of the Muslim community.

In 2025, a splinter group led by opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee challenged the party’s internal hierarchy, prompting several legislators to defect. Siddiqui initially aligned with this faction, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.

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However, he later said the faction’s documents never mentioned “Didi” (Mamata Banerjee), eroding his confidence. "We were told to sign the document and that the signature would reach Didi. We are with Didi and will remain with her," he told reporters.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Siddiqui’s return could stabilize the TMC’s position in the West Bengal Assembly, limiting the rebel faction’s leverage in demanding a floor test and preserving Mamata Banerjee’s command over the party’s Muslim vote bank.

"Siddiqui’s homecoming provides the party with a crucial community anchor, potentially deflating internal dissent," political analyst Anita Sharma noted.
Did You Know?: Siddiqui is popularly called “Pirzada” due to his lineage linked to the historic Furfura Sharif shrine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will this ghar wapsi halt the rebel faction’s demand for a floor test?

A: Likely, as it signals party unity and reduces the rebels’ bargaining power.

Q2: Does Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction still hold significant influence?

A: The group retains some MLA support, but high‑profile departures like Siddiqui’s weaken its standing.