Mamata Banerjee skips Bhai Phonta as brother joins rebel faction

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee skipped the Bhai Phonta festivities at her residence on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, breaking a long-standing tradition where party leaders visited her to seek blessings. Known as Bhai Dooj in other parts of India, the festival involves sisters applying a tika on their brothers' foreheads and praying for their well-being.

Reasons And Absence

All India Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated that Ms. Banerjee did not observe Bijoya earlier and is skipping Bhai Phonta this time due to police brutality, arrests on false charges, attacks, and terror faced by TMC workers since the elections. While the family's Kali Puja went ahead because it could not be cancelled, no Bhai Phonta ceremony was held, though visitors were allowed to see her. Most of her former loyalists who deserted her were absent, while Sreerampur MP Kalyan Banerjee visited and criticised opportunists who used to attend when she was in power.

Family And Rebel Split

The changes follow Ms. Banerjee's youngest brother, Swapan Banerjee, meeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday evening, touching his feet, and praising him during a local Kali Puja visit in Kalighat. Mr. Swapan Banerjee confirmed he would not attend the ceremony at his sister's home and joined rebel faction leaders on Wednesday at the Democratic Trinamool Congress office. Leaders like Ritabrata Banerjee, Madan Mitra, and former Cabinet Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya participated in the rebel event.

Context

Festivals like Bhai Phonta often serve as important social and political gathering points for political leaders and their supporters in India. Shifts in attendance during such traditional events can highlight internal political tensions and realignments within regional parties.