Birbhum's Political 'Tiger' Anubrata Mondal Hints at Stepping Down as Trinamool District President

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 21, 2024, Birbhum : Anubrata Mondal, the influential Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader from Birbhum, popularly known as the 'Tiger' of Birbhum, has returned home from Tihar Jail just in time for the Durga Puja festivities. Back in his home district, Mondal is already making moves to strengthen the party's organization, but his return has also come with an unexpected announcement about his political future.

Speaking at a Vijaya Sammilani (post-Puja gathering) in Purandarpur, Siuri, on Monday, Mondal hinted at stepping down from his post as Trinamool's Birbhum district president—a position he has held for years. However, he assured his supporters that this transition wouldn’t happen until after the 2026 state elections, when, he predicted, Mamata Banerjee would be re-elected as Chief Minister for a historic fourth term. "I will leave the post after making Mamata Banerjee Chief Minister again. I won’t leave alone, Nurul and I will step down together like two grandfathers," Mondal remarked, referring to his close associate Nurul Islam.

Nurul Islam, another key political figure in Birbhum and a long-time confidante of Mondal, was also the subject of speculation. Known as the 'second-in-command' or 'President of the 2nd block,' Nurul has been vocal about stepping down from his role to make way for the next generation of leaders. In July 2024, he had written to senior TMC leaders Abhishek Banerjee and Shatabdi Roy expressing his desire to step aside. However, there have been reports that Nurul Islam hesitated to resign amid an ongoing CBI investigation linked to financial accounts.

Mondal’s comments have sparked curiosity within the party and beyond. His leadership in Birbhum has been marked by a strong and sometimes controversial style of politics. Under his leadership, Birbhum became one of Trinamool’s most loyal strongholds, with Mondal known for rallying the party workers with fiery speeches and maintaining a tight grip on the district's political machinery.

After his release from Tihar Jail, where he had been held in connection with various legal issues, Mondal quickly resumed his political activities. At a previous meeting in Murray, he had urged party workers to unite ahead of the 2026 elections, underscoring the importance of internal cohesion. However, his latest speech in Siuri was delivered with a more reflective tone, signaling a potential shift in the district's leadership in the near future.

Mondal’s close ties with Nurul Islam are also an important factor in the political landscape of Birbhum. Both men started their political journey together and are considered inseparable within local political circles. Many see Nurul as Mondal's natural successor, though the CBI's scrutiny over financial irregularities has added an element of uncertainty to his future.

The possibility of Mondal stepping down marks a significant moment for the Trinamool Congress in Birbhum. As 2026 approaches, all eyes are on how the party, both locally and statewide, will navigate the upcoming elections, particularly as it faces challenges from opposition parties as well as internal transitions.

For now, Anubrata Mondal remains at the helm, rallying his supporters with confidence, while signaling that a change in leadership may not be far off, but only after ensuring the continuation of Mamata Banerjee's leadership at the state level.