Bharat Newz 24*7
With just a few months remaining before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, political realignments in the state have begun in earnest. In a significant development, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mausam Benazir Noor has returned to her former party, the Indian National Congress, ending her seven-year association with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
On Saturday, Mausam formally rejoined the Congress at the party headquarters on 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi, marking a symbolic and politically meaningful homecoming. Her return has added fresh momentum to Bengal’s opposition politics at a time when the electoral battle lines are rapidly being redrawn.
A High-Profile Joining Ceremony in Delhi
Several senior Congress leaders were present at the joining ceremony, underlining the importance the party is attaching to Mausam’s return. Among those present were Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, West Bengal Congress observer Ghulam Ahmed Mir, state Congress president Subhankar Sarkar, and Malda South MP Isha Khan Choudhury, who is also Mausam’s elder brother.
Speaking to the media after her return, Isha Khan Choudhury described the moment as deeply emotional for the family. “Congress is in her blood. When she left the party, it created a division within our family. Today, that division has finally ended,” he said.
West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar echoed similar sentiments, calling Mausam’s return a “homecoming.” Using a metaphor, he said, “Today, you have seen the trailer. We had kept the windows open; now we have opened the doors.” He added that Mausam’s return would strengthen the Congress at a time when Bengal politics is facing what he described as polarization and political instability.
Positioning Ahead of the 2026 Elections
Congress leaders made it clear that Mausam’s induction is part of a broader political strategy. Subhankar Sarkar said Bengal is witnessing a difficult political phase, with attempts to divide society and a governance model that, according to him, has failed to deliver meaningful development.
He stressed that Mausam, a former Youth Congress leader who believes in the ideals of veteran Congress figure Barkat Gani Khan Choudhury, would play a key role in revitalising the party’s organisational strength in the state.
Resignation from Trinamool and Rajya Sabha
Soon after rejoining the Congress, Mausam confirmed that she has submitted her resignation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She also announced her decision to step down as a Rajya Sabha MP, even though several months remain in her term.
According to Mausam, she will formally submit her resignation letter to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Her decision to resign early has drawn attention, as such moves are relatively rare and signal a clear political stand rather than a symbolic party switch.
Explaining her decision, Mausam said, “I am a member of the family of Barkat Gani Khan Choudhury. I carry that political legacy. After discussions within my family, I decided to return to Congress.”
A Measured Exit from Trinamool Congress
Notably, Mausam refrained from making any harsh comments against the Trinamool Congress or Mamata Banerjee. Instead, she adopted a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the opportunities she received in the party.
“Trinamool gave me the chance to work. They made me a Rajya Sabha MP and entrusted me with the responsibility of district president,” she said. Even during the Congress press interaction, she referred to Mamata Banerjee as “our leader,” indicating an effort to avoid burning political bridges.
Mausam had joined Trinamool Congress in January 2019, leaving the Congress at a time when political equations in Bengal were undergoing rapid change. Interestingly, her move to TMC was facilitated by Suvendu Adhikari, who was then a Trinamool leader and in charge of Malda-Murshidabad organisational affairs. He had reportedly arranged her meeting with Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna.
Impact on Malda’s Political Landscape
Malda remains Mausam Noor’s strongest political base, and her return to Congress has triggered intense speculation about its impact on local political equations. Political observers are closely watching whether her move will weaken Trinamool’s organisational strength in the district.
So far, Trinamool Congress leaders have chosen not to react publicly to Mausam’s exit. However, within political circles, discussions are already underway about how this development could influence alliances, vote shares, and campaign strategies ahead of 2026.
As Bengal heads toward another high-stakes election, Mausam Noor’s return to Congress marks not just a personal political decision, but a development that could reshape opposition dynamics in key districts of the state.
