Soaked in Mamata's Cream, They Now Quit

There are once again signs of shifting winds in the politics of West Bengal, India. Those who enjoyed power and privilege under the protective shadow of the Trinamool Congress during good times are now beginning to distance themselves from Mamata Banerjee as conditions turn adverse.

Recent developments and the growing inactivity of certain leaders have fueled intense speculation in political circles.

According to political analysts, during the height of the ruling party’s dominance, a group of leaders gathered around Mamata Banerjee to advance their personal interests. But in the current situation, after the party suffered defeat in the legislative assembly elections, many of these opportunists are now seeking safer havens. In the political vocabulary of rural Bengal, such figures are often derisively referred to as “flies in milk.”

After the announcement of the legislative assembly election results in India, singer-songwriter Kabir Suman made a controversial comment. Despite his long-standing association with the Trinamool Congress, he stated that he is not a supporter of the party. At the same time, he admitted that although he voted for the Trinamool Congress in the recent election, he was dissatisfied with many of the party’s activities.

In an interview, the musician said, “I am not a member of the Trinamool Congress, nor am I a supporter of it. I was never a member of any party before. Mamata practically held my hands and feet and helped me stand up. As soon as my five-year term ended, I resigned.”

However, he also said that he would still vote for the Trinamool Congress in the future. At the same time, he expressed interest in joining and working for a strong Communist party, if one were to emerge, even at this stage of his life.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Raj Chakraborty has recently announced his complete withdrawal from politics. He contested from the Barrackpore constituency on a Trinamool ticket but lost to BJP candidate Kaustav Bagchi by a margin of 15,822 votes. His decision to quit politics immediately after the defeat clearly suggests, according to observers, a loss of confidence in Mamata Banerjee.

The restlessness of these so-called “flies in milk” is nothing new in West Bengal politics. Experts believe that whenever there is a change in power or an unfavorable situation arises, a group of opportunists inevitably begins searching for safe shelter. The recent positions taken by figures like Kabir Suman and Raj Chakraborty are seen as reflections of this tendency.

Some are leaving politics out of frustration, while others are severing long-standing ties in search of new ideals. Whether such departures and fractures within a massive organization like the Trinamool Congress signal a major warning sign for the party or present an opportunity for internal cleansing is something only time will determine.

For now, there is one pressing question in West Bengal’s political arena: who will ultimately stand by Mamata Banerjee, and who will fly away like cuckoos of spring?