On Tuesday(4th June), Former Calcutta High Court Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay secures victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Tamluk constituency, West Bengal, on BJP ticket, with 7,65,584 votes. He surpasses his closest rival from Trinamool Congress by 77,733 votes, as per Election Commission of India records.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
KOLKATA: On Tuesday(4th June), Former Calcutta High Court Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay has emerged victorious in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Tamluk constituency in West Bengal. According to the official data released by the Election Commission of India, Gangopadhyay garnered a total of 7,65,584 votes, outpacing his closest competitor, Debangshu Bhattacharya of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), by a significant margin of 77,733 votes.
The Tamluk constituency, located in the Purba Medinipur district, holds historical significance for the BJP. It is from this very seat that Suvendu Adhikari, who later joined the BJP, was elected to the Lok Sabha twice under the TMC banner in 2009 and 2014. This constituency’s shift from TMC to BJP highlights a notable change in the political landscape of the region.
Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigned from his judicial post in March of this year to embark on his political journey with the BJP. Even during his tenure as a judge, Gangopadhyay was known for his outspoken criticism of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government. His transition from the judiciary to active politics has been marked by his continued critique of the TMC’s policies and governance.
Gangopadhyay’s victory is seen as a significant win for the BJP in West Bengal, a state traditionally dominated by the TMC. His legal background and public stance against the ruling party in the state have bolstered his political profile and contributed to his electoral success. This triumph is not only a personal victory for Gangopadhyay but also a strategic gain for the BJP as it seeks to expand its influence in West Bengal.
The former judge’s entry into politics and subsequent victory emphasizes the increasing trend of professionals from various fields entering the political arena, bringing with them diverse perspectives and expertise. Gangopadhyay’s campaign focused on issues of governance, law and order, and transparency, resonating with the electorate in Tamluk.
ALSO READ:On March 7: “Abhijit Gangopadhyay Joining BJP”
The official announcement of Gangopadhyay’s victory was met with celebrations among BJP supporters in the district, with many viewing it as a sign of changing political tides in West Bengal. His win is expected to invigorate the party’s base and encourage further inroads into the state’s political strongholds.
As Justice Gangopadhyay steps into his new role as a Member of Parliament, his legal acumen and critical approach to governance will be closely watched. His victory speech emphasized his commitment to serving the people of Tamluk and addressing their concerns with integrity and diligence.
In his own words-
“I am truly honored by the trust and support from the people of Tamluk. This victory belongs to everyone who believes in the BJP’s vision and values. I am committed to tirelessly working for the betterment of my constituency and making sure their voices are heard in Parliament.”
In recent months, former High Court judge, Justice Gangopadhyay, has found himself at the center of multiple controversies due to his contentious orders and statements. His actions have raised significant concerns within the judiciary and have prompted responses from the Supreme Court.
Justice Gangopadhyay, who has been serving as a High Court judge since May 2018, has faced numerous accusations of violating judicial discipline. One notable incident involved his accusation against Justice Soumen Sen, claiming that he was “acting on behalf of a political party in the State.” This statement sparked a significant uproar, leading the Supreme Court to intervene.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court decided to take cognizance and transfer all proceedings in certain cases presided over by Justice Gangopadhyay to itself. This move underscored the Supreme Court’s concern over the handling of these cases and the need for maintaining judicial integrity.
In April 2023, Justice Gangopadhyay was handling a batch of petitions related to the ‘School Jobs for Cash Scam.’ During this period, he gave an interview to a local Bengali news channel, where he discussed the alleged involvement of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee in the scam. The Supreme Court took strong exception to this, emphasizing that sitting judges should refrain from giving interviews to TV channels.
The Court’s observation was clear:
“Sitting judges should not be giving interviews to TV channels.”
The interview not only drew criticism but also led to immediate judicial action. The Supreme Court had to convene a special late evening session to stay Justice Gangopadhyay’s order, which had called for a report from its Secretary General. This incident highlighted the extent of the controversy surrounding his conduct.
ALSO READ:BJP’s Abhijit Gangopadhyay | WB Police Lodges FIR Against Ex-Cal HC Judge
Adding to the contentious atmosphere, the Election Commission had imposed a 24-hour campaigning ban on Justice Gangopadhyay in May. This decision was a response to his remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ban further fueled the debate over the judge’s impartiality and adherence to judicial norms.
Justice Gangopadhyay’s actions have undeniably placed him in the spotlight, prompting intense scrutiny from both the judiciary and the public. The series of events involving his controversial statements and judicial decisions continue to unfold, leaving many questioning the boundaries of judicial conduct and the measures necessary to uphold judicial discipline.
