Mamata Banerjee’s Trusted ‘Balu’ Quits TMC… Who Is Jyotipriya Mallick And Why Does His Exit Matter?

A Loyalist’s Exit Shakes Trinamool Congress

In a significant political development from West Bengal, senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jyotipriya Mallick has expressed his desire to quit the party, bringing an end to a political journey closely tied to Mamata Banerjee for over four decades.

In a handwritten Bengali letter addressed to Banerjee, Mallick cited health concerns, including high sugar levels and medical advice to rest, as the reason for stepping away from active politics.

But politically, his exit carries far deeper implications.

Known affectionately as “Balu” in party circles, Mallick was not just another TMC leader — he was one of Mamata Banerjee’s most trusted lieutenants since before the party was even formed.

Who Is Jyotipriya Mallick?

Jyotipriya Mallick’s political roots go back to the Congress era in the early 1980s, where he first came under the influence of a young and rising Mamata Banerjee.

His loyalty became evident during the 1984 Lok Sabha elections, when he campaigned for Banerjee in the Jadavpur constituency.

That bond only grew stronger.

When Mamata founded the Trinamool Congress in 1998, Mallick became one of the party’s founding-era workers and was rewarded with the role of State General Secretary.

Over the years, he became a key organisational force in North 24 Parganas, one of Bengal’s most politically crucial districts.

The Man Who Built TMC’s North Bengal Strength

Mallick’s influence in North 24 Parganas was unmatched for years.

As district president and observer, he helped TMC dominate the region. Under his leadership, the party won 30 out of 33 Assembly seats in the district during the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections.

His ability to read local politics and manage the organisation made him one of the most powerful leaders in the party.

Even during difficult electoral phases, he consistently delivered victories.

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Ministerial Rise And Fall

Mallick entered the Assembly in 2001 from Gaighata, winning again in 2006.

In 2011, he shifted to Habra and won, after which Mamata Banerjee appointed him as Food Minister — a position he held for nearly a decade.

However, his political career suffered a major blow when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him in connection with the alleged ration corruption case.

Later, in 2021, although he retained Habra, he was shifted to the Forest Ministry instead of the Food Department.

It was during this tenure that his arrest by central agencies took place.

A Political Comeback… Then Defeat

After spending over 15 months in jail, Mallick secured bail and returned to active politics.

He resumed attending the West Bengal Vidhan Sabha and was once again fielded by TMC in the 2026 Assembly elections from Habra.

Interestingly, during the campaign, Mamata Banerjee publicly defended him and called him one of her best ministers, alleging he had been targeted by central agencies for political reasons.

But the election turned out differently.

Mallick lost his seat as the BJP swept the elections, ending Mamata Banerjee’s three consecutive terms in power.

Why His Exit Matters Now

Mallick’s resignation comes at a time when TMC is already facing internal unrest and post-election uncertainty.

For Mamata Banerjee, losing someone like Jyotipriya Mallick is not just about one senior leader stepping away — it symbolizes the fading of an old guard that helped build the party from scratch.

His departure adds to the list of veteran leaders distancing themselves from the TMC after its recent setbacks.

For Bengal politics, this could be another sign that the state’s political landscape is entering a new and unpredictable phase.