Industrialist Kuldeep Maity Set to Join BJP, Potentially Bound for Rajya Sabha

Kolkata, July 16, 2026 — West Bengal's political terrain continues to shift dramatically following the assembly election results of May 4, 2026. The Trinamool Congress faces mounting internal strife as party stalwart Madan Mitra joined a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Wednesday, intensifying the crisis within Mamata Banerjee's organization in the aftermath of a decisive electoral defeat.

Mitra, who represents the Kamarhat assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas, characterized the Trinamool Congress as a "fractured" party. His departure follows a pattern of departures and dissatisfaction among lawmakers and parliamentarians dissatisfied with former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.

In a notable development, Kuldeep Maity, managing director and chief executive officer of VFS Capital, visited the Vindhyavasini Temple at Vindhyachal to seek blessings before embarking on a new political chapter. According to sources, Maity is expected to join the Bharatiya Janata Party imminently and may secure a Rajya Sabha seat. The formal induction ceremony could take place in the presence of a senior party figure, possibly BJP President or Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Following his temple visit, Maity stated: "Service is my commitment. With the blessings of the goddess, I now wish to play a direct role in the development of Kolkata and West Bengal." The industrialist sought divine blessings for the peace and prosperity of the state.

Maity commands considerable recognition in Eastern India's microfinance sector. Over the past two decades, he has focused on financial empowerment of women and economically disadvantaged communities. The temple witnessed considerable attendance, with devotees expressing enthusiasm upon his return from worship.

The businessman holds a doctorate alongside master's degrees in business administration and social sector management. He is expected to announce his action plan soon, with a focus on education, health, and youth employment. Neither the BJP nor Maity has issued official confirmation of the anticipated move.

This development occurs amid broader upheaval within the Trinamool Congress. Chandrimaa Bhattacharya recently resigned from her position as West Bengal president of the party, fueling speculation about internal discord. These events mark the first serious test of the party's cohesion since losing power in West Bengal in 2011.

Madan Mitra's political background underscores the shifting fortunes of the regional party. Among 80 Trinamool legislators elected to the West Bengal assembly in 2021, Mitra retained his Kamarhat seat despite the BJP's overwhelming performance. The saffron party secured 208 of 294 assembly seats, ending the Trinamool's prolonged rule and establishing its first government in the state.