Mamata Banerjee faces fresh blow as Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigns from party
In a significant setback for the Trinamool Congress, veteran leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray on Saturday resigned from both the party and the Rajya Sabha, citing concerns over governance and corruption during the party’s tenure in West Bengal.
Ray submitted his resignation from the Upper House of Parliament and also relinquished his primary membership of the Trinamool Congress. His departure comes amid growing internal unrest within the party following its recent electoral setback in West Bengal.
In a statement, Ray said the electorate had delivered a strong mandate for political change in the state, pointing to issues such as corruption, law and order concerns, employment challenges, and shortcomings in sectors including health, education and industry.
He also noted that the newly elected government had begun implementing measures outlined in its election manifesto and said he was stepping down in acknowledgment of the public verdict.
Resignation adds to Trinamool’s internal challenges
Ray’s exit comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is grappling with reports of internal dissent and growing dissatisfaction among sections of its leadership and legislators.
The resignation is particularly significant as Ray has been regarded as one of the party’s senior leaders and a close associate of Mamata Banerjee during her years in power.
His departure also coincides with ongoing political discussions among opposition parties at the national level, with Banerjee currently in New Delhi for key meetings.
Senior leaders react
Senior Trinamool leader and Lok Sabha MP Saugata Roy said he had received an offer to join the BJP but declined, stating that he would continue to remain with the party on whose symbol he was elected.
Meanwhile, reports of internal divisions within the Trinamool Congress have continued to surface following the party’s electoral defeat, with several leaders expressing concerns over the organisation’s future direction.
A day before resigning, Ray had publicly expressed pessimism about the party’s prospects and suggested that political unrest within the organisation could extend beyond the state unit.
His resignation follows earlier signs of dissatisfaction within the party, including the decision of Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar to step down from organisational responsibilities while continuing as a party member.
With Ray’s exit, the Trinamool Congress faces fresh questions about its leadership structure and internal cohesion as it seeks to regroup after its electoral loss.
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