Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), faced sharp criticism from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an event commemorating International Women's Day on Kolkata on Thursday.
The Trinamool Congress supremo referred to Gangopadhyay as a "BJP Babu" who was sitting on the bench, and made it clear that she would 'ensure he loses' if he contests the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
"A BJP babu was sitting on the bench and now he has joined the BJP. How can you expect justice from them? The mask is off," the WB CM said.
While attacking the former judge who ruled against various recruitments in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee said, “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."
Addressing a gathering at the conclusion of the Trinamool march, Banerjee questioned the integrity of Gangopadhyay, citing his association with the BJP after serving as a judge in the Calcutta High Court.
She cast doubt on the 'impartiality of judges aligning with political parties and expressed skepticism about the fairness of the judicial system under such circumstances.
Gangopadhyay had gained prominence during his tenure as a judge for issuing orders to investigate alleged irregularities in the recruitment processes of teaching and non-teaching staff within the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
His decision to join the BJP came shortly after resigning from his judicial position, prompting speculation that he may contest in the upcoming elections under the BJP banner.
Gangopadhyay on the other hand, asserted his commitment to the BJP and vowed to work towards removing what he termed as the "corrupt TMC regime" from the state.
“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," Abhijit Gangopadhyay said after joining the party.
Sources have suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering nominating Abhijit Gangopadhyay as a candidate from the Tamluk constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Chief Minister also defended her government against allegations raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Sandeshkhali case, emphasising Bengal's commitment to women's safety.
The Sandeshkhali incident, involving allegations of land grab and harassment against local Trinamool leaders, has garnered significant attention in recent times. The prime accused, a TMC leader, Shahjahan Sheikh has been held and handed over to the CBI for further investigation.
Banerjee highlighted her administration's actions against individuals involved in unlawful activities, reaffirming her commitment to justice and accountability within the Trinamool Congress.
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