Budget Exclusion Triggers Chandrima Bhattacharya's Resignation

Chandrima Bhattacharya, the former West Bengal Finance Minister, quit every position she held in the Trinamool Congress on Saturday and immediately joined the rebel camp of expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. In a statement to the media, she accused the party leadership of sidelining her from the preparation of the state budget, a document she traditionally presented in the assembly each year.

She said that even a day before the budget speech she was unaware of its contents, receiving the details only a few hours prior to presentation. Bhattacharya maintained that she did not reveal this information because of her loyalty to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, after Banerjee linked her to a recent attempt to occupy the party office, she felt compelled to step down from all party responsibilities.

Speaking to reporters, Bhattacharya added that she could have disclosed more, but a confidentiality oath taken during her tenure as a minister prevented her from doing so. Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh responded by labeling her decision as a betrayal, asking why she abandoned the party after enjoying prominent portfolios in Banerjee's cabinet.