Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 11, 2025, Kolkata :  The district of Birbhum, known for its deep political ties to West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), is witnessing a violent escalation of internal factionalism. The long-standing cold war within the party has now taken a deadly turn, with bomb blasts rocking the area. The conflict, analysts suggest, revolves around control over various local mafias, particularly the lucrative sand money business.

Birbhum has long been associated with Keshtar Mandal, a key figure in the region and a close ally of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Mandal’s influence had grown during his time in jail, earning him the title of the “uncrowned king” of Birbhum. Now, after his release, tensions are simmering again, and the question remains whether this internal struggle within Trinamool will ever subside.

The situation in Birbhum is increasingly volatile, with rival factions clashing over power and influence. On Tuesday, the area around Jamalpur, in Kankartala police station jurisdiction, erupted into violence following a bombing incident. Local sources suggest that two Trinamool groups were fighting over the division of sand money, leading to the explosive confrontation. The blasts left the surrounding area in chaos, with thick smoke rising from the scene.

The bombs, which have become disturbingly common in the region, are reportedly being used freely by the factions vying for dominance. The police, observers say, have largely remained silent, leaving locals to contend with the violence on their own. Despite the clear evidence of internal discord, Trinamool district president Kajal Sheikh has denied any division within the party. According to Sheikh, “There is only one group of Trinamool Congress in Birbhum, and that is the group led by Mamata Banerjee. We all do Trinamool.”

However, sources on the ground suggest that the bombing incident was the work of two key figures—Swapan Sen from Sheikh’s faction and Ujjwal Haque Quaderi, a member of the core committee loyal to Anubrata Mandal. The violence has already resulted in injury, with reports stating that a grassroots worker lost a leg due to one of the explosions.

This escalating violence signals a deepening power struggle within Trinamool Congress, where factions fight not only for control of political turf but also for lucrative illegal businesses. The people of Birbhum, caught in the crossfire, are left helpless, with little indication that the violence will cease anytime soon.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 2, 2025, Kolkata :  In a significant move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has entrusted Anubrata Mandal with crucial responsibilities in multiple districts of West Bengal. Mandal, who had been absent from his active political role for two years, is now set to oversee Aush Gram, Mangalkot, Ketugram, and Murshidabad, as per the instructions of the Chief Minister.

Anubrata Mandal, a prominent leader in Birbhum district, has effectively established a dominant presence in the region. Following his absence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had formed a core committee to manage the district’s affairs in his stead. With Mandal’s return, he was swiftly appointed as the chairman of the core committee, later assuming leadership roles as the president of Birbhum district and chairman of the SRDA (Sundarban Regional Development Authority).

Speaking to Mandal over the phone, Mamata Banerjee emphasized the importance of his new assignment, noting that it was time for him to resume his active role in the administration. She praised Mandal’s dedication to the Trinamool Congress and expressed confidence in his ability to shoulder the responsibility in East Burdwan and Murshidabad. Mandal, who shares a close relationship with Banerjee, was reportedly elated by the trust placed in him and is set to take charge of the new districts with enthusiasm.

This latest development marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape of the state, with Mandal’s influence set to expand beyond Birbhum into neighboring regions.