Will Mamata Return To The Lok Sabha? Reports Suggest Yusuf Pathan May Vacate Seat; Know The Process

West Bengal politics is witnessing a new phase after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suffered a major setback in the 2026 Assembly elections. Amid reports of growing dissatisfaction within the party, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee is reportedly exploring the possibility of returning to the Lok Sabha.

The move is being viewed by many political observers as an attempt to strengthen her direct control over the party's parliamentary wing and address internal challenges.

Mamata Banerjee's Close Aide- Firhad Hakim Resigned

Following the Trinamool Congress's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, political uncertainty has grown within the party, particularly in Kolkata's civic administration.

Ending weeks of speculation, senior TMC leader and close aide of Mamata Banerjee, Firhad Hakim resigned from his position as Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation on Friday, submitting his resignation to Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey.

Hakim, who had been serving as Kolkata's mayor since 2018, stepped down after nearly eight years in office despite retaining his political influence by winning the Chetla Assembly seat. Widely regarded as one of Mamata Banerjee's most trusted lieutenants, he has played a key role in both the party organisation and the state government over the years.

However, reports suggest differences emerged after his recent meeting with Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari at Nabanna, which allegedly displeased sections of the party leadership. Sources claim the growing distance between Hakim and the TMC leadership may have contributed to his decision to resign.

With his exit, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation will temporarily be administered by Smita Pandey, while the state government may appoint an administrator until fresh civic elections are held. Although the by-election is currently expected in December, political observers believe the schedule could change given the evolving political situation.

Reports Suggest a Possible Lok Sabha Comeback

According to political reports, TMC MP Yusuf Pathan may be asked to vacate the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat if Mamata Banerjee decides to contest a by-election from the constituency.

Pathan entered politics after a successful cricket career and won the Baharampur seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His victory was particularly significant because he defeated veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by a comfortable margin.

If the seat becomes vacant, a by-election could be held, giving Mamata Banerjee an opportunity to enter the Lok Sabha once again.

Mamata Banerjee's Long Parliamentary Journey

Before becoming the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee spent decades in national politics.

She first entered the Lok Sabha in 1984 from the Jadavpur constituency after defeating senior CPI(M) leader Somnath Chatterjee. Over the years, she became one of the most prominent opposition leaders in Parliament and represented Kolkata South multiple times.
After the TMC came to power in West Bengal in 2011, she shifted her focus to state politics and became a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

Now, after nearly fifteen years away from the Lok Sabha, reports suggest she may be preparing for a return.

What Is Causing Trouble Inside the TMC?

The reported move comes at a time when several TMC leaders have publicly expressed concerns about the party's functioning.

Some senior MPs are believed to be unhappy with the leadership style and decision-making process within the parliamentary party. A few leaders have openly voiced their disagreements, bringing internal tensions into public view.

Among them is veteran MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who reportedly filed a complaint against fellow TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee. Other experienced leaders, including Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Shantanu Sen, have also raised questions about certain aspects of the party's functioning.

These developments have fueled speculation that the party leadership may want a stronger presence in Parliament to maintain unity.

Challenges in the West Bengal Assembly Too

The TMC is reportedly facing difficulties not only in Parliament but also inside the West Bengal Assembly.

Reports indicate that a group of MLAs has backed expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee for a key opposition role in the Assembly. This has added to concerns about divisions within the party.

Political analysts believe that if Mamata Banerjee enters the Lok Sabha, she could directly oversee parliamentary affairs and help manage any growing dissent among party lawmakers.

How Can Mamata Banerjee Enter the Lok Sabha?

The process is quite simple.

• A sitting MP resigns or the seat becomes vacant.
• The Election Commission announces a by-election.
• Mamata Banerjee contests the election from that constituency.
• If voters elect her, she becomes a Lok Sabha MP.

This is the route being discussed in the case of the Baharampur constituency.

Can She Enter the Rajya Sabha Instead?

Yes, she can. Entering the Rajya Sabha is different from contesting a Lok Sabha election.

How Rajya Sabha Elections Work

The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament. Members are usually not elected directly by the public.

Instead:

• MLAs of state assemblies vote to elect Rajya Sabha members.
• Political parties nominate their candidates.
• The number of seats a party wins depends on its strength in the state assembly.

For example, if the TMC has enough MLAs in West Bengal, it can nominate Mamata Banerjee for a Rajya Sabha seat when a vacancy arises.

Step-by-Step Process

• A Rajya Sabha seat becomes vacant due to retirement, resignation, or death.
• The party nominates a candidate.
• MLAs vote in the election.
• If the candidate receives enough votes, they become a Rajya Sabha member.

Unlike Lok Sabha elections, ordinary voters do not directly cast votes for Rajya Sabha candidates.

Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha: Simple Difference