Mamata Banerjee, a prominent Indian politician, is the founder of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC or TMC). She’s made history as West Bengal’s first female Chief Minister and has held significant positions in the Union Cabinet.

Wiki/Biography

Mamata Banerjee was born into a Bengali Brahmin family on January 5, 1955, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal, India. As of 2025, she is 70 years old. Her father, Promileswar Banerjee, sadly passed away when she was 17 due to a lack of adequate medical care.

Her educational journey included higher secondary education at Deshbandhu Sishu Sikshalay, Kolkata, a B.A. from Jogamaya Devi College, and a law degree from Jogesh Chandra Choudhury College of Law, Calcutta University (1982). She later pursued and obtained a master’s degree in Islamic History from the University of Calcutta and a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha.

While a student at Jogamaya Devi College, she became involved in politics, establishing Chhatra Parishad Unions, the student wing of the Indian National Congress.

Family

Banerjee’s parents were Promileswar Banerjee and Gayatri Devi. Her mother passed away in 2011 at the age of 81. She has six brothers: Amit, Ajit, Kali, Baben, Ganesh, and Samir Banerjee. She is unmarried. Her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee (son of Amit Banerjee), is also a TMC politician and a former member of the 16th Lok Sabha.

Career

Banerjee’s political career began early with the Indian National Congress. Key milestones include:

• 1976-1980: General Secretary, Mahila Congress (I), West Bengal.
• 1984: Elected to Lok Sabha, becoming the youngest parliamentarian at the time.
• 1980s: General Secretary, Indian Youth Congress.
• 1991: Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Women and Child Development.
• 1997: Founded the All India Trinamool Congress.
• 1999-2004: Railway Minister under the Vajpayee government.
• 2009: Re-elected to Lok Sabha and served a second term as Railway Minister.
• 2011: Became Chief Minister of West Bengal.
• 2016 & 2021: Re-elected as Chief Minister of West Bengal.
• February 2022: Re-elected as Trinamool Congress chief.

Her tenure as Chief Minister has been marked by significant political shifts in West Bengal.

Controversies

Throughout her career, Banerjee has been involved in several controversies, including:

• Incidents in Parliament involving physical altercations.
• Controversial statements on social issues.
• Political decisions regarding religious festivals.
• Allegations of corruption within her party.

Net Worth

In 2024, her net worth was reportedly around Rs. 15 Lacs.

Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Mamata Banerjee:

• Affectionately known as “Didi” by supporters.
• A talented amateur poet and painter, with paintings fetching significant sums.
• Leads a simple lifestyle.
• Suffered a head injury in March 2024.
• Reportedly among the least wealthy Chief Ministers.

Summary of Key Positions

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