Is Partha Chatterjee Making a Political Comeback?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Partha Chatterjee is seeking a political comeback after judicial release.
- He addresses constituents with significant questions regarding trust.
- His political future remains uncertain amid ongoing investigations.
- Chatterjee's relationship with actress Arpita Mukherjee has come under scrutiny.
- He plans to participate in the upcoming Assembly session.
Kolkata, Nov 12 (NationPress) Former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee has taken steps towards a potential political resurgence on Wednesday, just one day after his release from judicial custody that lasted for over three years.
He was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July 2022, linked to the extensive cash-for-school job scandal in the state.
On Wednesday, he released an open letter addressed to the voters of Behala (Paschim) Assembly Constituency, a region where he has been a legislator for the Trinamool Congress for five consecutive terms since 2001.
In this letter, he posed an emotional query about whether the constituents believed he had accepted money from individuals offering school jobs. He further questioned if they thought some people had used his name to collect funds under false pretenses.
Another poignant question he raised was whether the voters felt those who attempted to tarnish his reputation should face consequences. He concluded by stating that while he continues to regard West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as his leader, he seeks responses to these inquiries.
Additionally, Chatterjee announced his intention to attend the upcoming winter session of the Assembly scheduled for later this month.
He faced suspension from the Trinamool Congress immediately following his arrest in 2022.
However, should he participate in the winter session as an independent legislator, he would lose his previous seat at the treasury bench designated for ruling party members.
Insiders from the West Bengal Assembly indicated that Chatterjee would be assigned a seat somewhere among the treasury and opposition benches.
Chatterjee also candidly addressed media inquiries regarding his connection with actress Arpita Mukherjee, who was arrested by the ED in July 2022 when significant amounts of cash and gold were discovered in her residences.
“I am a widower. My wife passed away a long time ago. If I now have a girlfriend, who is to object? If some can have two wives simultaneously, why can’t I have a girlfriend?” Chatterjee questioned on Wednesday.
Earlier, he had sent a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting clarification regarding his suspension from the party following his arrest.