Former Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s recent induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sparked a fiery response from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Chief Minister did not hold back in her criticism, labeling Gangopadhyay as a “BJP babu sitting on the bench” and vowing to defeat him in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Also read- #BREAKING Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay Embraces Politics, Joins BJP (lawchakra.in)
Justice Gangopadhyay, who was set to retire in August 2024, made headlines by stepping down from his position and joining the BJP, a move that places him among the rare judges who have transitioned from sitting judgeships to active politics. Upon joining the BJP, Gangopadhyay expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating,
“Today I have entered into a new world where people like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other leaders are present. I will try my best to shoulder whatever responsibility the party will give me.”
Speculation is rife that the BJP may field Gangopadhyay from the Tamluk constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a strategic move that could significantly impact the political landscape in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee’s reaction to Gangopadhyay’s political pivot was swift and severe. She accused the former judge of bias against West Bengal during his tenure, attributing political motives to his rulings, particularly those affecting various recruitments in the state.
Also read- On March 7: “Abhijit Gangopadhyay Joining BJP” (lawchakra.in)
“These dangerous snakes are denying jobs to the people of Bengal,”
Banerjee remarked, highlighting her disdain for the perceived injustice.
The Chief Minister’s challenge was clear:
“After denying jobs to thousands of students, he has become a leader. Be ready. Wherever you contest from, I will send students to fight you. Remember, the people will judge you now.”
This statement underscores Banerjee’s intent to mobilize opposition against Gangopadhyay, signaling a potentially intense electoral battle ahead.
In addition to addressing the controversy surrounding the former judge, Mamata Banerjee also responded to criticisms from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly following his visit to Sandeshkhali and meetings with alleged sexual assault victims. Banerjee defended her state’s record on women’s safety, questioning the central government’s priorities and its focus on West Bengal while referencing incidents in other states like Manipur and Hathras.
“As many as 458 central teams came to Bengal. How many teams went to Manipur when women were paraded naked? How many teams went to Hathras? All your anger is for Bengal,”
Banerjee stated, challenging the narrative against her administration and asserting that women are “safest in West Bengal.”
Conclusion
The political drama unfolding in West Bengal sets the stage for a heated confrontation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. With former Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s entry into the BJP and Mamata Banerjee’s vehement opposition, the battle lines are drawn. As both sides prepare for the electoral fray, the people of West Bengal are poised to be the ultimate judges in this high-stakes political contest.
