‘Not for me:’ Former TMC MLA Raj Chakraborty quits politics; wishes to focus on film-making

Filmmaker turned politician Raj Chakraborty announced his decision to step away from active politics after he failed to secure majority in Bengal Assembly election 2026,  adding that he wishes to focus on film-making solely.

Chakraborty, who had represented Barrackpore as a Trinamool MLA after winning the 2021 Assembly polls, lost to BJP candidate Kaustav Bagchi by more than 15,000 votes.

Days after the defeat, the director clarified that he wants to return to film-making, asserting that politics is not for him
In a note on social media, Chakraborty said: "My entry into political life began in 2021. It is not for me. People gave me the opportunity to work. For the next five years, I continued to try and fulfil my duties as an MLA in that same spirit. That chapter came to an end in 2026. Along with it, my journey in political life has also concluded. I want to return to film-making.”

Despite announcing his departure from politics, Raj Chakraborty said he would continue contributing to Bengali cinema. He also reportedly expressed hope that West Bengal would progress under the incoming BJP government, a statement that quickly drew political attention across the state. He further hoped that the new BJP government will work towards “path of development.”

The BJP’s historic victory ended the Trinamool Congress’ 15 year rule in the state, dramatically reshaping Bengal’s political landscape. While former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the mandate was “looted” and described the defeat as a result of a ‘conspiracy’. Meanwhile, with a 207 majority out of 294, the Bhartiya Janata Party is set to swear-in on May 9 as the new Bengal government.