Sovan Chatterjee resigns from Mamata Banerjee cabinet

West Bengal’s Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sovan Chatterjee tendered his resignation on Tuesday.

Confirming Chatterjee's resignation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "earlier also he proposed to resign. But then we thought he will understand (his mistakes)."

For now, the Fire and Housing Department will be looked after by Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, Mamata said while speaking to journalists at the state secretariat.

She also said that she has asked Chatterjee to tender his resignation as the Mayor of Kolkata.

According to sources in the state Secretariat, the development took place after Mamata expressed her displeasure with the performance of Chatterjee, who also held the portfolio of Housing.

Government sources said that Chatterjee tendered his resignation on Tuesday afternoon and it has been accepted by the chief minister.

“Chatterjee’s resignation letter has been accepted and sent to the Governor,” a government official said.

However, sources in the Governor’s office said that they are yet to receive Chatterjee’s resignation letter.

Chatterjee has not resigned from the post of Mayor so far.

Recently, Mamata criticised Chatterjee for his "lack of focus" on work due to personal issues.

Chatterjee was once considered to be very close to the chief minister and one of her most trusted deputies.