Ex-MLA compares politicians to rhinos

Former Trinamool Congress MLA and actor Sayantika Banerjee has compared politicians to rhinos, saying they need “thick skin” to survive in politics.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Sayantika discussed her experience in politics and explained why she stepped away from political life after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election.

“Politics is a different matter,” she said, adding that she could not engage in the level of “dirtiness” that politicians allegedly do.

She said people in politics need to develop “rhinoceros-like skin” because sensitive people can be hurt and saddened by what happens in the political arena.

On her political status, Sayantika said she was no longer associated with the Trinamool Congress, joking that she could be described as a “former Trinamool” member.

Sayantika contested the Bankura seat for the Trinamool Congress in the 2021 Assembly election but lost to BJP candidate Niladri Sekhar Dana. She later held organisational responsibilities in the party and was appointed its state general secretary.