Why Did Partha Chatterjee Write to Mamata Banerjee Regarding His Suspension?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Partha Chatterjee questions his suspension from the Trinamool Congress.
- Chatterjee's release from prison raises significant political implications.
- The Enforcement Directorate plays a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.
- His connection with the constituents of Behala (Paschim) remains strong.
- Allegations of double standards within party leadership are emerging.
Kolkata, Nov 12 (NationPress) Former Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General, Partha Chatterjee, addressed a letter to party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, questioning his suspension from the party that followed his arrest by Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials related to the extensive cash-for-school job scandal in West Bengal.
After being granted bail from judicial custody earlier that day—where he had spent nearly three years and three months—Chatterjee also sent a copy of this letter to Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress general secretary and party Lok Sabha member, along with Subrata Bakshi, the state president in West Bengal.
In his correspondence with the Chief Minister, Chatterjee requested explanations regarding the provisions of the Trinamool Congress party constitution that led to the suspension of his basic membership.
It is important to note that following his arrest by ED officials in July 2022, the Trinamool Congress removed Chatterjee from all his ministerial and organizational roles and suspended his party membership indefinitely. They even eliminated the position of Secretary General, previously held by him.
Insiders who maintain close ties with Chatterjee despite his lengthy imprisonment indicated that he also mentioned in his letter how, historically, the Trinamool Congress leadership had supported party members arrested by central agencies, but made an exception in his case.
Chatterjee appears to harbor a glimmer of hope for a political return, stating after his release that he plans to connect with the constituents of Behala (Paschim), where he has served as a Trinamool Congress legislator for five terms since 2001, to gather their opinions.
"I am accountable solely to the residents of Behala (Paschim), who have never questioned my integrity. I will approach them to seek justice. I have complete faith in our judicial system, and I believe the truth will emerge through the trial process," Chatterjee expressed to the media after returning to his family home in South Kolkata on Tuesday.