Former Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay made headlines on Tuesday as he announced his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just hours after tendering his resignation from his judicial post. This move marks a significant shift for Gangopadhyay, signaling his entry into active politics in West Bengal, a state known for its fiercely contested political landscape.
During a press conference, Gangopadhyay cited the BJP’s status as a national party and its commitment to combating corruption as the primary reasons for his decision to join. He expressed his alignment with the BJP’s vision and emphasized the need to counter the alleged corruption of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bengal. His move is seen as a notable development in the state’s political dynamics, particularly amidst the upcoming assembly elections.
Gangopadhyay revealed that he would formally join the BJP on March 7, indicating a clear timeline for his transition into his new political role. While there has been speculation about his candidacy in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, particularly from Bengal’s Tamluk constituency, Gangopadhyay maintained that the party leadership would decide on such matters. Tamluk has historically been a stronghold of the TMC, adding intrigue to Gangopadhyay’s potential electoral bid.
His resignation from the Calcutta High Court was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, with copies sent to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Calcutta HC Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam. This move came as a surprise to many, sparking speculation about the motivations behind Gangopadhyay’s decision and its potential implications for Bengal’s political landscape.
Gangopadhyay’s tenure as a judge was marked by several controversial rulings, particularly in cases related to education issues in the state. His decisions often led to heated political debates, with critics accusing him of bias and political motivations. In February, the Supreme Court received a plea from Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, urging action against Gangopadhyay for alleged politically motivated statements and interviews on sub-judice cases.
Speaking to the media, Gangopadhyay explained that his resignation was prompted by a sense of duty and conscience, particularly in light of the corruption scandals that have plagued the education sector in Bengal. He highlighted the ongoing trials of prominent individuals involved in these scandals as evidence of the systemic corruption that he aimed to address through his decision to enter politics.
Gangopadhyay’s transition from the judiciary to active politics underscores the growing influence of the BJP in West Bengal and its efforts to expand its presence in the state. His entry into the political arena adds another dimension to the already intense electoral competition, with the BJP seeking to challenge the TMC’s dominance in the region.
As Gangopadhyay embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on his role within the BJP and his potential impact on the upcoming elections. His decision to join the party reflects broader shifts in Bengal’s political landscape and sets the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle in the state.
