CPIM expels Pratikur Rahaman after he joins Trinamool in presence of Abhishek Banerjee Rahaman had contested against Abhishek in the 2024 Lok Sabha electionsOur Web Desk & PTICPI(M) leader Pratikur Rahaman, who resigned from the party on February 16, joined West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress on Saturday. The CPI(M) expelled him soon after for “serious anti-party activities” and for joining the “enemy camp”. Rahaman, a former state committee member of the CPI(M), defected to the TMC in the presence of Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, against whom he had contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. ADVERTISEMENTSpeaking to reporters at Abhishek’s Amtala office, Rahaman said he felt suffocated within the Marxist party. Welcoming him into the party, Abhishek said there had been no deal regarding a nomination for the upcoming assembly polls.

Source: The Telegraph February 21, 2026 15:25 UTC