Former Calcutta High Court judge, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, made headlines as he officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 7, accompanied by state party chief Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and other prominent figures.
Speculation is rife that Gangopadhyay might contest from the Tamluk constituency, traditionally held by the Trinamool Congress in the last three elections.
Expressing his commitment to his new political journey, Gangopadhyay stated, "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for me. I am delighted to join the BJP and pledge to serve as a dedicated party worker. Our primary goal is to uproot the corrupt TMC government from the state."
Sukanta Majumdar, the BJP's state president, presented Gangopadhyay with the party flag, emphasizing the significance of his entry into West Bengal's political landscape.
Suvendu Adhikari, BJP leader and the leader of the opposition in the assembly, hailed Gangopadhyay's decision, asserting, "West Bengal requires individuals of Abhijit Gangopadhyay's caliber in its political realm."
Gangopadhyay had revealed his ongoing discussions with the BJP for several weeks, affirming his allegiance to the saffron party regardless of his electoral candidacy.
On March 5, Gangopadhyay tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, with copies forwarded to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court TS Sivagnanam.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, including a tenure as a high court judge, Gangopadhyay has encountered his share of controversies. From clashes with West Bengal's advocate general to Supreme Court directives to refrain from discussing subjudice cases with the media, he has navigated through various legal and political challenges.
Notably, Gangopadhyay's rulings on education-related matters sparked widespread debate, particularly regarding corruption scandals within the state's education sector. Reflecting on his judicial tenure, he remarked, "For the past few years, I have presided over cases revealing significant corruption within the education sector. Numerous influential figures in the government's education hierarchy now face legal proceedings."
Gangopadhyay's entry into BJP politics marks a significant development in West Bengal's political landscape, with implications for the upcoming elections and the state's governance dynamics.
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