Partha Chatterjee Joins Bengal Assembly Committees After Release in Recruitment Scam Case
Partha Chatterjee joins two Bengal assembly committees post-bail in teachers' recruitment scam.
Former Trinamool Congress heavyweight and key accused in the West Bengal teachers’ recruitment scam, Partha Chatterjee, has been inducted into two standing committees in the state legislative assembly for the first time. The development comes after he was granted bail following more than three years in jail.
Chatterjee, who represents the Behala West assembly constituency, had been suspended by his party after his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on July 23, 2022. His arrest was part of the high-profile investigation into the multi-crore “cash-for-jobs” scam that shook the state.
Sources in the assembly confirmed that Chatterjee has been appointed to the standing committees on library affairs and housing, fire services, and disaster management. This marks a return to formal legislative duties for the former industry minister despite his ongoing legal troubles.
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The induction has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari remarked, “Tainted leaders like Partha Chatterjee are being rewarded by the Trinamool Congress. We won’t be surprised if he is fielded in upcoming elections.” Observers see this move as a possible signal that he may contest again under the party banner.
Chatterjee’s legal entanglements include investigations by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED had reportedly recovered over Rs 50 crore in cash and 5 kg of gold from the flat of his close aide, Arpita Mukherjee, who was also arrested in connection with the scam.
Political analysts suggest that his induction into key committees strengthens his visibility within the party machinery ahead of elections. The move has sparked debates about accountability and ethics in public office, raising questions over the role of legislators facing serious corruption charges.
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