Mamata Banerjee, the 71-year-old leader of West Bengal, presents a modest appearance with her simple cotton sari, tied-back hair, and basic footwear. Yet, she has overcome numerous powerful opponents. Known as the state’s protective ‘Didi’ (elder sister) and beloved ‘Meyekei’ (daughter), she has introduced women-focused programs like Kanyashree Prakalpa, Lakshmir Bhandar, and Swasthya Sathi.
Inside the Trinamool Congress (TMC), women hold prominent positions from local booths to elected offices. They have led major protests, including those in Singur and Nandigram, and the party has allocated up to 40% of election tickets to women, far exceeding other major parties.
As the sole female leader in India with full authority over her party and administration, Banerjee is campaigning for another term, supported by a dedicated circle of women aides spanning from Kolkata’s neighborhoods to national politics in Delhi.
Chandrima Bhattacharya, 70
A TMC spokesperson and head of the party’s women’s division, Bhattacharya is one of the most experienced members in Banerjee’s group of female leaders. Serving as a Minister of State, she oversees departments including Finance (with independent charge), Health and Family Welfare, Land Reforms, and Refugee Relief and Rehabilitation.
Bhattacharya did not initially join Banerjee, remaining with the Congress when TMC was established. She aligned with Banerjee in 2009 amid the Singur and Nandigram protests, which helped topple the CPI(M) government. A qualified attorney, she practiced law at the Kolkata High Court until winning an MLA seat from Dum Dum Uttar in 2011.
In 2016, she lost the seat to CPI(M)’s Tanmay Bhattacharya. However, demonstrating Banerjee’s confidence, she was nominated for a 2017 by-election in Dakshin Kanthi, won it, and was reinstated as a minister.
Shashi Panja, 63
Trained as a physician, Panja is the daughter-in-law of former Union minister Ajit Panja, who co-founded TMC after leaving Congress.
When TMC took power in 2011, Panja, an MLA from Shyampukur, was not initially appointed to a cabinet role. In 2013, she became Minister of State for Women and Child Development, where she managed Banerjee’s flagship Kanyashree initiative.
In the current administration, she handles Industries, Commerce, and Enterprises, along with Women and Child Development and Social Welfare.
TMC sources note that Banerjee values Panja’s proficiency in English and Bengali, positioning her as a leading party representative. Panja is running again from Shyampukur.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, 66
The Barasat MP, also a doctor, hails from a political background. Her maternal grandfather served as West Bengal’s Postmaster General, her paternal uncle led the state Congress, and her maternal uncle Gurudas Dasgupta was a prominent CPI parliamentarian.
One of Banerjee’s longest-standing allies, Dastidar provided medical aid during Banerjee’s clashes with the Left regime while in Youth Congress and joined her in forming TMC in 1998.
A four-term MP, Dastidar has encountered controversies, including involvement in the Narada scandal and criticism for comments on the Park Street assault case, describing it as a misunderstanding rather than rape.
Dola Sen, 59
A Rajya Sabha member, Sen transitioned from a behind-the-scenes role to a visible supporter of Banerjee.
She gained prominence as a union organizer at Kanoria Jute Mill, with leftist leanings. This connected her to Banerjee during the Singur and Nandigram campaigns, where she attracted figures like Medha Patkar and progressive thinkers.
After other allies departed, Sen joined TMC and now leads its state trade union wing.
In the 2021 state elections, Banerjee assigned Sen to manage her high-stakes contest against Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram. Though Banerjee lost, Sen’s work was recognized.
Sen unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Asansol but was later nominated to the Rajya Sabha, becoming a key TMC voice there.
Birbaha Hansda, 43
Known in the Santhali cinema scene, Hansda comes from a political lineage, with both parents having served as MLAs.
She secured her first Assembly seat in 2021 after previous defeats in local, state, and national polls. Following her victory, Banerjee appointed her as Minister of State for Forests.
Hansda has appeared in 19 films, achieving notable success in her acting career.
