KOLKATA, Jan 23: Ahead of the Assembly elections in Bengal, another Minister resigned from the Mamata Cabinet on Friday. Forest Minister Rajib Banerjee's resignation came on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the State in connection with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's 125th birth anniversay celebrations on Saturday. He did not cite any reasons in the resignation letter. However, he alleged that some leaders were carrying out propaganda against him.

The Domjur MLA broke down on camera, saying: "I never thought a day would come when I would have to take such a difficult step". However, he has not left the TMC. His critics point out that he was over-ambitious and wanted some more important portfolio.

He is the third Minister to quit the Bengal Cabinet in a month's time.

Soon, Baishali Dalmiya, MLA from Bally in Howrah district, who had called the party leaders termites, was expelled from the party for speaking against the party, later in the day.

The resignations started with Suvendu Adhikari, a top-ranking aide and Minister, quitting in December. Over 40 leaders followed him to join the BJP. Soon two more MLAs resigned: Shilbhadra Dutta and Banasri Maity. On January 20, Arindam Bhattacharya, MLA, resigned.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Sumitra Khan's wife Sujata Mondal Khan joined the TMC. Poaching is going on in both the camps. Many of the TMC leaders who have resigned have joined the BJP.

On January 5, Minister of State for Sports Laxmi Ratan Shukla resigned. He also has not quit the party.

Bengal election is due in May.