CPI(M) Leader Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya Rejects MP Pension
Synopsis
In a commendable act of selflessness, Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, a former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member, has opted not to receive the pension offered to former MPs, showcasing a commitment to public service over personal gain.
Key Takeaways
Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya has opted out of the pension for former MPs.
He served as a Rajya Sabha member until April 2023.
Previously, he was the Mayor of Kolkata from 2005 to 2010.
His decision has been praised for embodying self-sacrifice.
Bhattacharya is contesting in the upcoming Jadavpur Assembly elections.
Kolkata, April 17 (NationPress) In a remarkable gesture, veteran CPI(M) leader and esteemed lawyer, Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, who recently wrapped up his tenure as a Rajya Sabha member, has chosen to forgo the pension provided by the Union Government for former Members of Parliament.
This announcement was conveyed through a letter sent by Bhattacharya to the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha, which he later shared on his official social media platform.
“Dear Sir, I wish to formally notify you that I have opted not to accept the pension available to retired MPs. Kindly update your records to reflect my decision,” stated the letter dated April 16.
Bhattacharya was elected to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal on April 3, 2020, with the backing of Congress. His term concluded on April 2 this year.
In the recent elections for the five Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal, the CPI(M)-led Left Front was unable to present any candidates due to their lack of representation in the West Bengal Assembly.
Unopposed elections saw four representatives from the ruling Trinamool Congress and one from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being elected to the five vacant seats in the Upper House.
Bhattacharya is also the CPI(M) candidate for the Jadavpur Assembly constituency in the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections, with Jadavpur set to vote in the second phase on April 29.
Historically, even when Bhattacharya held significant governmental roles, he has refrained from accepting the remuneration he was entitled to, as noted by CPI(M) veterans.
During his tenure as the Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation from July 2005 to June 2010, he similarly did not accept the salary associated with that position.
His decision to decline a pension as a former Rajya Sabha member has garnered wide praise on social media, with many asserting that Bhattacharya exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice amid a prevailing culture of materialism and greed.
Point of View
Standing in stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes of materialism. His actions resonate strongly within the political landscape, serving as a reminder of the values that should govern our leaders.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya?
Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya is a veteran leader of the CPI(M) and a senior advocate who served as a member of the Rajya Sabha until April 2023.
Why did Bhattacharya decline the pension?
He declined the pension as a gesture of commitment to public service, seeking to exemplify values over material gain.
What position did he hold previously?
Before his tenure in the Rajya Sabha, Bhattacharya served as the Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation from July 2005 to June 2010.
What constituency is he contesting in the upcoming elections?
Bhattacharya is the CPI(M) candidate for the Jadavpur Assembly constituency in the upcoming Assembly elections.
How has the public responded to his decision?
His decision has received widespread acclaim on social media, with many praising his sacrifice in a materialistic age.
