Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra, who quit the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) and joined the rebel Trinamool group headed by Ritabrata Banerjee, has expressed deep disillusionment with the prevailing political atmosphere in West Bengal, saying he is tired of politics and contemplating withdrawing from public life.
Speaking to a Bengali television channel on Thursday, the four-time MLA said people were living in fear and distress, claiming that the atmosphere during this year's Durga Puja was markedly different from previous years.
"So many tears were not shed during earlier Pujas. There is a sense of sorrow and distress," Mitra said.
The veteran politician expressed concern over the difficulties faced by ordinary people and said he was unable to move around freely or reach out to voters in his Kamarhati constituency in North 24 Parganas district.
"Those who voted for me cannot even meet me. I am confused. I do not want to do anything that will cause trouble to people," he said.
Mitra claimed that people were distressed and struggling amid the prevailing situation, adding that the atmosphere of hostility had made political engagement increasingly difficult.
๐ ๐ถ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐
Indicating that he was considering stepping away from active politics, Mitra said the growing bitterness in political life had left him exhausted.
"One way is to leave politics. I am too tired. There is so much hatred in politics. I hate politics," he said.
His remarks come after his departure from the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC and subsequent association with the rebel Trinamool group.
Despite his political differences, Mitra conveyed his best wishes to his former leader Mamata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
"I convey my best regards to Didi (Mamata Banerjee) and my younger brother Suvendu," he said.
Referring to Adhikari's busy political schedule, Mitra expressed a desire to reach out to him.
"Our CM is so active and busy with so many engagements every day, but being a subject (praja), I just wish to reach out to him," he added.
His remarks reflected his stated frustration with the political atmosphere and his uncertainty over continuing in active politics.