West Bengal Elections: Mamata Suffers Another Jolt As Forest Minister Rajib Banerjee Resigns; May Join BJP Soon

West Bengal Forest Minister Rajib Banerjee today resigned from his position in Mamata's cabinet, amid a string of resignations by party leaders.

Mamata's forest minister Rajib Banerjee resigns | (Images: PTI/ Facebook)

West Bengal Elections: West Bengal Forest Minister Rajib Banerjee resigned from his office as Cabinet Minister, dealing a huge jolt to Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress which is already reeling under a spate of resignations by party leaders. Banerjee, in a letter to the chief minister, said he was tendering his resignation as a cabinet minister, but did not cite any reason.

He also said that a copy of the resignation letter has been forwarded to Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar for "necessary action".

Rajib Banerjee's resignation letter reads, "It has been a great honour and privilege to serve the people of West Bengal. I heartily convey my gratitude for getting this opportunity."

"I am announcing my formal resignation on this platform and have informed the concerned authority as well. I hope that in the years to come I will be able to be at each of your service in the best way possible as that has been the sole reason I am into politics," he wrote in a Facebook post. 

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Why is Rajib Banerjee's resignation a major setback for TMC? 

Rajib Banerjee is not just a senior party leader but is among one of those prominent faces of the party who enjoy a wide popularty among people.

The Domjur MLA, who had been airing his grievances against a section of ruling party leaders over the past few weeks, joins the string of TMC leaders and legislators who recently quit the Mamata Banerjee camp.

Most of them, including his former cabinet colleague Suvendu Adhikari, have switched over to the BJP.

It is being speculated that Rajib Banerjee would also join the saffron party, which is being touted as biggest threat to Mamata's TMC in the upcoming elections.