Mamata absent from Bhai Phonta as brother joins political rivals

West Bengal's former chief minister Mamata Banerjee was notably absent from Bhai Phonta celebrations, the traditional festival where sisters honour their brothers, marking an unusual break from the customary observance at her residence.

While a modest gathering of supporters assembled at her home for the occasion, most of her longtime political loyalists remained conspicuously absent from the festivities. The thin turnout reflected broader concerns about erosion within her political base.

The absence coincided with a significant political development: Mamata's own brother joined the opposition camp and publicly commended Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent rival leader. The defection underscored deepening personal and political divisions within the former chief minister's inner circle.

The incident highlighted the mounting challenges facing Mamata's political organization, with erstwhile associates increasingly distancing themselves from her leadership. The symbolic significance of a family member's absence during Bhai Phonta, traditionally a celebration of familial bonds, amplified concerns about the stability of her political coalition as factional tensions continue to surface.