Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay announced on Tuesday his intention to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 7. He expressed his admiration for the party’s stance against corruption, particularly targeting the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.
Gangopadhyay cited continuous taunts and insults from the ruling TMC as the primary reason for his decision to resign from his judicial post and enter politics. He emphasized that the TMC’s disparaging remarks and attacks on his character influenced his choice to join the BJP.
The former judge highlighted his swift decision-making process regarding joining the BJP, stating that he engaged in discussions with the party approximately a week ago. He firmly believes in the BJP’s mission and didn’t hesitate to align himself with the party.
In a scathing critique of the TMC, Gangopadhyay predicted the party’s decline, comparing its fate to that of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. He asserted that the TMC’s downfall could be expedited through legal actions leading to arrests within the party.
Gangopadhyay also responded to recent legal proceedings initiated by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, alleging bias and attacking Banerjee’s character in return. He labeled the TMC as a group of miscreants rather than a legitimate political entity, expressing his disdain for the party.
Regarding the infamous 2016 Narada sting operations, where TMC leaders were caught on camera purportedly accepting cash, Gangopadhyay defended BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, claiming that he was a victim of conspiracy orchestrated by planting individuals in the operation.
Gangopadhyay’s decision to resign from the judiciary and enter politics comes after persistent challenges and provocations from TMC leaders, as he revealed in a recent interview. He expressed his readiness to confront these challenges by stepping into the political arena.
Throughout his tenure as a judge, Gangopadhyay was embroiled in various controversies, including disregarding orders from higher benches and engaging in dramatic altercations within the courtroom. His departure from the judiciary marks a significant transition as he ventures into the realm of politics with the BJP.
Justice Abhijit Ganguly, known for his principled stance, has a history of taking bold decisions. In 2022, he directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers and non-teaching staff in government schools in West Bengal. However, his actions have not been without controversy. Last year, he faced criticism from the Supreme Court after giving an interview to a news channel concerning a pending case related to a teachers’ recruitment scam. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud subsequently ordered the reassignment of the case to another judge.
Justice Ganguly’s resignation announcement marks a significant development in West Bengal’s political landscape, leaving many speculating about his future endeavors.
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