Chandrima Bhattacharya: The Stalwart
Chandrima Bhattacharya, a 70-year-old spokesperson for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and head of its women's wing, stands as a senior figure within Mamata
Banerjee's core group. Currently serving as the Minister of State, she oversees critical portfolios including Finance (Independent Charge), Health, Family Welfare, and Land Reforms & Refugee Rehabilitation. Bhattacharya’s political journey began later in life, aligning with Mamata after witnessing the momentum of the Singur and Nandigram movements in 2009, eventually leading her to join the TMC. A qualified lawyer, she practiced at the Kolkata High Court before entering politics and winning as an MLA in 2011. Despite a loss in 2016, Mamata's continued trust was evident when she was fielded in a 2017 bypoll, leading to her re-induction as Minister of State upon winning. Bhattacharya embodies loyalty and administrative prowess within the party.
Shashi Panja: Doctor Turned Minister
Dr. Shashi Panja, 63, brings a medical background and a significant political lineage to Mamata Banerjee's team, being the daughter-in-law of TMC founder Ajit Panja. Initially not selected for a ministry in 2011, her trajectory changed in 2013 when she was appointed Minister of State for Women and Child Development, a role where she successfully championed Mamata’s flagship 'Kanyashree' project. In the current government, she holds significant positions as the Minister for Industries, Commerce and Enterprises, alongside her continued charge of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare. Panja is recognized by party insiders for her fluency in both English and Bengali, making her a valuable spokesperson for the TMC. She is contesting from her existing constituency, Shyampukur.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar: Veteran MP
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, 66, is a Member of Parliament from Barasat and a fellow medical professional, akin to Shashi Panja. Her family background is steeped in politics, with relatives having held prominent positions in the Congress and CPI. Dastidar is considered one of Mamata Banerjee's earliest and most trusted confidantes, having provided medical assistance during Mamata's early political struggles and subsequently following her to form the TMC in 1998. As a four-time MP, her political career has not been without controversy, including being named in the Narada case and facing backlash for remarks regarding the Park Street sexual assault case. Despite these challenges, she remains a significant figure in the TMC.
Dola Sen: Trade Union Leader
Dola Sen, 59, has evolved from a key backroom strategist to a prominent public face alongside the Chief Minister. Initially known as a trade union leader at Kanoria Jute Mill with Naxalite leanings, her involvement in the Singur and Nandigram movements brought her into Mamata Banerjee's orbit. She impressed Mamata by mobilizing national figures like Medha Patkar and intellectuals to support the cause. Sen joined the TMC later and now leads its West Bengal chapter. She played a crucial role in overseeing Mamata's campaign in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections, a contest Mamata ultimately lost but where Sen's efforts were acknowledged. While she lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election, she was subsequently nominated to the Rajya Sabha and continues to be an important voice in Parliament.
Birbaha Hansda: Folk Artist and MLA
Birbaha Hansda, 43, brings a unique blend of artistic talent and political lineage to the TMC. A well-known figure in the Santhali film industry with 19 films to her credit and multiple awards, she hails from a family of former MLAs. After three electoral defeats across various polls, Hansda was elected to the Assembly in 2021 and was promptly appointed Minister of State for Forests by Mamata Banerjee. Her film career includes the super-hit 'Bardu'. Recently, she was a prominent voice in TMC protests concerning alleged disrespect shown to President Draupadi Murmu by the state government during a visit. Hansda is currently contesting from the Binpur seat, representing a new generation of leaders.
Lata Banerjee: The Trusted 'Boudi'
Lata Banerjee, 59-60, holds a special place as the wife of Mamata Banerjee's brother, Amit, making her a trusted 'boudi' (sister-in-law) within the Banerjee family. Her unwavering support for Mamata has been consistent, from her days as Union Minister for Railways to her tenure as Chief Minister. Lata has been a constant presence, even accompanying Mamata on foreign visits. Her involvement in the family business, Leaps & Bounds, has also drawn the attention of the Enforcement Directorate, leading to her and her husband being summoned for questioning in connection with a school jobs scam investigation, highlighting her proximity to the highest levels of power and its potential entanglements.
Krishna Chakraborty: Decades of Loyalty
Krishna Chakraborty, 61, shares an enduring four-decade-long association with Mamata Banerjee, dating back to 1984 when she was selected from New Alipore College by the then Youth Congress leader. Chakraborty was an active participant in Mamata's 1984 Lok Sabha campaign against CPI(M) heavyweight Somnath Chatterjee. She followed Mamata to Delhi after her victory and remained by her side for five years. Their bond is deeply personal, with Mamata attending Chakraborty's wedding and Chakraborty staying with Mamata during her pregnancy. While she did not hold an official position when the TMC was formed in 1998, Chakraborty is now the vice-chairman of the TMC women's wing, Chairman of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, and a constant presence at political rallies, often standing next to Mamata.
Mahua Moitra: The Fiery Voice
Mahua Moitra, 51, offers a contrasting yet vital presence in Mamata Banerjee's political strategy, serving as her assertive voice in Delhi. A former investment banker with international experience, she transitioned from the Congress to the TMC. After winning as an MLA in 2016, Mamata recognized her potential for national politics and fielded her from the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat in 2019, which she won. Moitra gained prominence for her powerful parliamentary speeches, including her 'seven early signs of fascism' address, and has been a vocal opposition figure. Despite her expulsion from Parliament in December 2023 over an alleged 'cash-for-query' case, she was re-fielded by the TMC and has since returned as an MP. Moitra is known for her strong stance but has also faced controversies, including public disagreements with fellow party members.
Sagarika Ghose & Menaka Guruswamy: Delhi's New Faces
Sagarika Ghose, 61, and Menaka Guruswamy, 51, represent the TMC's emerging faces in Delhi, chosen by Mamata Banerjee for their distinguished professional backgrounds. Ghose, a former prominent journalist, and Guruswamy, a renowned Supreme Court lawyer celebrated for defending civil rights, bring significant credibility. Both recently participated in a critical meeting with the Election Commission of India that saw a heated exchange. Ghose transitioned to politics and the Rajya Sabha in 2024, while Guruswamy was sworn in very recently. Interestingly, Ghose had a memorable on-air confrontation with Mamata Banerjee when she was still a journalist, leading to the Chief Minister walking out of a show. Their appointments signal Mamata's strategy to strengthen the party's presence and legal standing in the capital.
