In a highly anticipated political development in West Bengal, veteran politician and former Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee officially rejoined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday, November 3, 2025, after a seven-year departure. His return, accompanied by his close associate Baisakhi Bandopadhyay, immediately set the political rumour mill ablaze.
Following their re-entry into the party, Chatterjee and Bandopadhyay met with TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. This reunion comes just days after Chatterjee was appointed chairman of the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), hinting at the party’s concerted efforts to mend old alliances and reintegrate seasoned leaders as they gear up for the 2026 Assembly elections.
The formal rejoining ceremony took place at the TMC headquarters, where senior leaders Subrata Bakshi and State Minister Aroop Biswas welcomed the duo, adorning them with party scarves.
Expressing his sentiments, Chatterjee told reporters, "This is a return to my roots. Didi (Mamata Banerjee) is like family. My arteries and veins are filled with Trinamool’s blood; this is my home, my family. I will work under her leadership again to strengthen the party."
Minister Biswas confirmed that both leaders had promptly requested a meeting with Abhishek Banerjee, which was "gladly agreed" to. "They have formally conveyed to the party their desire to once again contribute to Mamata Banerjee’s mission for Bengal’s development," Biswas added.
Party insiders have characterized this return as a "natural homecoming" for a leader who was instrumental in building the TMC’s foundation in Kolkata. Chatterjee had initially left the TMC in November 2018, stepping down from his ministerial, mayoral, and district president roles, citing personal reasons.
A four-time TMC MLA and two-time Kolkata mayor, Chatterjee’s departure in 2018 was at the Chief Minister’s request, prompted by personal issues. He then joined the BJP in August 2019, a brief and tumultuous period marked by internal disputes and increasing isolation.
Ironically, after joining the BJP, Chatterjee had even voiced his ambition to contest against his long-time political mentor, Mamata Banerjee, a move that starkly highlighted the breakdown of their once-close relationship.
Before the 2021 Assembly elections, Chatterjee and Bandopadhyay, who had been allocated a party ticket from Behala West, quit the BJP, alleging "insults and betrayal" from the State leadership.
Since then, speculation about their return to the TMC had been persistent, gaining considerable momentum after a private meeting with Abhishek Banerjee in September and Chatterjee’s interaction with Mamata Banerjee in Darjeeling last month during a flood rehabilitation inspection.
Shortly after this interaction, the State government appointed Chatterjee as NKDA chairman, effectively paving the way for his complete political rehabilitation.
Political observers suggest that Chatterjee’s return, especially given his past role as a key confidant of Mamata Banerjee, signals the TMC’s strategic intent to mend internal divisions and reinforce its core leadership. This move is seen as vital for consolidating organizational strength in preparation for a formidable opposition challenge in the 2026 elections.
"This is both a message and a momentum move. It signals that the TMC wants to bring back its experienced hands and project unity before the next electoral battle," commented a senior political analyst.
The comeback has already generated considerable excitement in Behala West, Chatterjee’s former constituency, where posters featuring his image appeared immediately after his administrative reappointment. Party insiders are now speculating that he might be fielded from Behala West in 2026, a seat currently held by former Minister Partha Chatterjee, who is presently embroiled in a recruitment scam case.