Is Former Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chattopadhyay Rejoining Trinamool?
Synopsis
Sovan Chattopadhyay, the former Kolkata Mayor, makes a significant political comeback by rejoining the Trinamool Congress alongside his partner, Baisakhi Bandopadhyay. His return raises questions about his potential candidacy for the upcoming elections and the implications for his estranged wife, Ratna Chattopadhyay.
Key Takeaways
Sovan Chattopadhyay has officially rejoined the Trinamool Congress .
His return raises questions about future electoral candidacy.
Speculations abound regarding his impact on his estranged wife's political position.
Chattopadhyay emphasized his commitment to the party.
The personal and political dynamics in West Bengal remain complex.
Kolkata, Nov 3 (NationPress) Former Kolkata Mayor and ex-West Bengal minister, Sovan Chattopadhyay, officially rejoined the Trinamool Congress on Monday, accompanied by his partner, Baisakhi Bandopadhyay.
The duo was welcomed back into the party during a ceremony at the Trinamool Bhavan, led by the party's state president, Subrata Bakshi, and the state power minister, Aroop Biswas.
Chattopadhyay had stepped down from his roles as Kolkata Mayor and West Bengal minister in 2018. After a period of political inactivity, he joined the BJP shortly before the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
However, tensions arose shortly after his BJP membership when the party did not nominate him as a candidate for the Behala (Purba) constituency, a seat he had previously held for two terms.
Following this, both Chattopadhyay and Bandopadhyay gradually distanced themselves from the BJP, leading to persistent rumors about his potential return to the Trinamool Congress. These rumors culminated in Monday’s official announcement of his return.
Reacting to the event, Chattopadhyay expressed his sentiments, stating that it felt like coming home. “The Trinamool Congress is everything for me. This party is my home. This party is my life. My task will be to work for the party and strengthen it further,” he remarked.
Current Trinamool Congress legislator from Behala (Purba), Ratna Chattopadhyay, who is also Sovan's estranged wife, expressed her happiness at his return to active politics after a lengthy hiatus.
There are now rumors that Chattopadhyay may be considered as a candidate from Behala (Purba) for the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, which could affect Ratna's claim to that seat.
She stated, “The final decision in the matter will be taken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and our party general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee. If they decide that Sovan Chattopadhyay will again contest from Behala (Purba), I will have to accept that,” highlighting her willingness to abide by party decisions.
However, she declined to comment on Baisakhi Bandopadhyay's joining the party, stating, “I do not want to make any comment on that lady. That will be below my dignity.”
Sovan and Ratna Chattopadhyay are currently in the process of separation, with a divorce suit pending in a city court.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the dynamics at play in West Bengal politics. Sovan Chattopadhyay's return to the Trinamool Congress signifies a shift in allegiances that could reshape electoral strategies ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The ongoing tensions within the party, coupled with personal complexities, underscore the intricate nature of political affiliations in the region.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sovan Chattopadhyay?
Sovan Chattopadhyay is the former Mayor of Kolkata and a former minister in West Bengal, known for his political contributions in the region.
Why did Sovan Chattopadhyay leave the BJP?
Chattopadhyay faced internal conflicts within the BJP, particularly after not being nominated for his previous legislative seat, leading to his disengagement from the party.
What are the implications of his return to the Trinamool Congress?
His return could influence party dynamics and electoral strategies, particularly concerning the Behala (Purba) constituency.
How does Ratna Chattopadhyay feel about Sovan's return?
Ratna expressed her happiness about Sovan re-entering active politics but acknowledged the complexities of their personal relationship.
What is the current status of Sovan and Ratna's marriage?
Sovan and Ratna Chattopadhyay are currently in the process of separation, with divorce proceedings ongoing in court.
