Alapan Bandyopadhyay, a retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of West Bengal, remains one of the most influential bureaucratic figures associated with Mamata Banerjee. After his contentious exit from central deputation in 2021, he was appointed as Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, cementing his proximity to Banerjee’s political and administrative decision-making.

Sources indicate that Bandyopadhyay continues to play a behind-the-scenes advisory role even after Banerjee’s tenure as Chief Minister, particularly amid growing concerns over factionalism within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). His experience in governance and crisis management is seen as an asset as the party navigates internal dissent and leadership rivalries at both state and district levels.

There is also emerging speculation within political circles that Bandyopadhyay has been informally consulted on broader strategic questions, including the potential recalibration of TMC’s national positioning. This reportedly includes exploratory discussions around closer alignment or even a structural merger with the Congress party as part of a larger anti-BJP consolidation effort.

While no formal moves have been announced, his continued involvement signals the importance Banerjee places on bureaucratic counsel in shaping political strategy.