Once a key Mamata lieutenant, why Anubrata Mondal finds himself cut down to size in TMC

Taking serious cognisance of the audio clip, the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC condemned Anubrata’s “derogatory and abusive” language used against the police officer, asking him to issue an unconditional apology within four hours. It warned that failure to comply would result in disciplinary action, including show-cause proceedings. “The party unequivocally disassociates and does not endorse the comments made by Anubrata Mondal against a police officer. We strongly condemn his use of derogatory and unacceptable abusive language. The party hereby instructs him to tender an unconditional apology within the next four hours, failing which show cause proceedings will be initiated,” the TMC said in an X post.The Birbhum district police also filed an FIR in the case against Mondal. Significantly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also holds the home portfolio.

Mondal immediately issued a written apology for his conduct, saying he could never “imagine humiliating” any police personnel of “Didi’s police”, making a reference to Mamata’s home portfolio.

In his letter to Bengal TMC president Subrata Bakshi, Anubrata said, “I am sad about the recent incident. I can apologise to Didi’s police a hundred times.”

The Birbhum police also summoned Anubrata Saturday to the Bolpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO)’s office, but Mondol skipped it with his lawyer attributing it to his “ill health”. The police have summoned him again on Sunday.

The 65-year-old TMC strongman, Anubrata, popularly known as Kestoda, has been one of the most trusted aides of Mamata for over two decades. He has been with the TMC since its inception in 1998, heading the party’s crucial Birbhum district unit as its chief for many years.

He was removed from his post only earlier this month as part of the TMC revamp carried out by Mamata in the run-up to the state Assembly elections due in March-April 2026. The Birbhum TMC unit is now led by a core committee headed by Rampurhat MLA and Deputy Speaker, Asish Banerjee.

The TMC’s crackdown on Anubrata came as the BJP started holding protests across Birbhum, demanding his arrest for his alleged abusive language against the Bolpur police officer.

Anubrata had been arrested by the CBI and the ED in 2022-23 in cases linked to alleged cattle smuggling. He was released on bail last year.

Until the party’s recent rejig, the TMC leadership had not taken any disciplinary action against Anubrata like it had against some of other party leaders, such as Partha Chatterjee, arrested in connection with various alleged scam cases. The TMC had even backed Anubrata even during his custody in prison.

Anubrata was said to enjoy more clout and power in the state than several TMC MLAs or even ministers. Despite never contesting any elections, Mondal has been known for his booth management skills. He has been caught in rows over violation of the election code of conduct for allegedly giving inflammatory speeches. In various polls in the past, the Election Commission had also put him under “house surveillance”.

A TMC leader said although Anubrata courted multiple controversies, Mamata had always stood by him. “But now the situation has changed,” he said. “Anubrata was in jail for almost two years. In his absence, Kajal Sheikh became another power centre in Birbhum district. Some senior party leaders are also supporting Kajal. So Anubrata has lost his hold on his home turf.”

Kajal, who is also part of the TMC’s Birbhum core committee, is said to be close to Abhishek Banerjee, the party national general secretary and Mamata’s nephew.

The TMC leader said, “We would not be surprised if Anubrata is now arrested by police. Because after his abuse audio became viral, the CM got furious and asked the police to take action.”

Union minister and state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar slammed Anubrata for his alleged abusive language against the Bolpur IC. He also attacked the TMC for allegedly having “many Anubratas under whose influence the police and administration have to be in fear and terror”.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty dismissed Anubrata’s apology letter as “drama”, saying that “If they (TMC) have really honest intention, then he should be arrested first”.