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The Bengali film star formally joined the ruling party, saying her decision to enter the BJP in 2019 had been a “mistake” and it was now time to fix those mistakes
Parno Mittra’s return may boost TMC’s appeal among young and urban voters
Political temperatures are rising ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with actress-turned-politician Parno Mittra returning to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) nearly six years after she crossed over to the BJP. The Bengali film star formally joined the ruling party on Thursday, saying her decision to enter the BJP in 2019 had been a “mistake”.
Mittra, who contested the Baranagar seat on a BJP ticket in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls and lost to the TMC candidate, has largely kept a low political profile since that defeat. Her comeback to the Mamata Banerjee-led party is being seen in political circles as a signal ahead of the high-stakes 2026 contest, at a time when defections and counter-defections are gaining momentum.
“Joining the BJP was a mistake. Now it’s time to correct those mistakes,” Mittra said after being welcomed back into the TMC fold. “Today is a big day for me. I am happy to join the Trinamool Congress under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. I joined the BJP six years ago, but things didn’t go well there,” she said.
A familiar face in Bengali cinema and television, Mittra began her career with popular serials such as Khela before moving to films. Her performance in Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona won widespread acclaim, with the film picking up multiple national awards and cementing her place in the industry. Over the years, she has also shown a keen interest in social and political issues.
Her return is expected to help the TMC connect with younger and urban voters, a space where celebrity candidates have often played a role. The ruling party has previously inducted several personalities from the fields of art, culture and sports as it seeks to widen its political appeal.
West Bengal, India, India
December 26, 2025, 19:02 IST
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