West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is set to take center stage at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on Monday, April 7, to address the crisis surrounding the cancellation of approximately 26,000 teaching jobs in a recruitment scam case.
This meeting, convened at the request of the 'Deprived Teachers' Association,' marks a critical moment in her political battle against the opposition while also serving as a reassurance to those affected by the Supreme Court's verdict.
The cancellation of jobs, upheld by a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has triggered a storm of political and social unrest. Thousands of teachers who lost their positions are facing severe hardships, from financial instability to emotional distress.
Also read: BJP seeks Mamata’s resignation as 26,000 teachers lose jobs
Acknowledging these concerns, Mamata Banerjee has vowed to stand by them, reinforcing her long-standing image as a leader of the people.
“I have been and will always be by the side of those who are deprived," she asserted at Nabanna, the state secretariat. She also took a defiant stance against her political adversaries, stating, "If the BJP thinks they will put me in jail for this, then welcome! If you can catch me, then catch me."
Monday's event at Netaji Indoor Stadium is expected to be a high-stakes political move, as Mamata will not only listen to the grievances of the dismissed teachers but also send a strong message to the opposition.
Education minister Bratya Basu and chief secretary Manoj Pant will accompany her, along with prominent figures from different sections of society, further underscoring the significance of this gathering.
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders are confident that the party supremo will address the crisis situation triggered by the apex court’s verdict successfully. “Her political strategy is clear — by personally addressing the affected teachers, she aims to showcase her commitment to the people while countering the attacks from the BJP and the CPI(M). We believe that such a verdict can shake the morale of its supporters ahead of the 2016 Assembly polls, but the CM’s direct engagement with the teachers will serve as an effort to restore confidence among party workers and the common people,” said a TMC leader.
However, not all affected individuals are optimistic about this intervention. Amitranjan Biswas, one of the dismissed teachers, expressed scepticism, saying, "The chief minister could have stood by our side earlier. If she had intervened, we would not have reached this stage."
Sagar Mandal, another teacher from Ranaghat, echoed similar sentiments, lamenting that the government failed to provide accurate information to the court about tainted candidates leading to their dismissal.
Meanwhile, the association for the deprived teachers has sought a meeting with the education minister regarding their concerns before the April 7 event.
Mamata’s response to the crisis is being closely watched, both by her supporters and critics. While the BJP and CPI(M) have intensified their attacks, placing the blame squarely on the state government, Mamata’s move to stand with the dismissed teachers could play a crucial role in shaping public perception ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
“By addressing their plight, she not only seeks to offer immediate relief but also aims to reinforce her political stance as a leader who does not abandon her people in times of crisis,” said the TMC leader.
Follow us
