Former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee has broken his silence after walking out of jail, making a direct appeal to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to reconsider his suspension from the Trinamool Congress. The senior TMC leader, who was granted bail in the school jobs scam case, spoke to mediapersons at his Naktala residence in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Appeal to Party Leadership
Chatterjee, who represents Behala West in the state Assembly, expressed hope that Mamata Banerjee would take the "right decision" if she looks at things "justly." The veteran politician revealed he learned about his suspension while in judicial custody. "During my days in jail, I was in touch with some party workers and functionaries. I am innocent and never used the party flag for money," Chatterjee asserted.
The former minister emphasized his loyalty to the party despite his prolonged incarceration. "I was in jail for nearly three-and-a-half years, but I never made any comment against my party. At times I thought of saying something, but never uttered a word. Those who thought that I would collapse underestimated me," he stated with conviction.
Commitment to Constituents
Chatterjee made it clear that his immediate priority is reconnecting with the people of Behala West. "I have worked for the development of Behala West. I will go to the people as I am committed to them. They never raised any questions on my integrity," he said, addressing concerns about his political future.
The TMC veteran acknowledged his current health challenges, stating that he would resume public work once he regains physical and mental fitness. "For now, my main objective is to take care of my health and then I will reach out to the people of Behala West," Chatterjee explained.
On Arpita Mukherjee and Recovery of Cash
When questioned about his associate Arpita Mukherjee, from whose residence substantial cash was recovered during the investigation, Chatterjee offered a surprising defense. "If people can have two wives, why cannot I have a girlfriend," he remarked, addressing the nature of their relationship directly.
Regarding the money recovered from Mukherjee's residence, Chatterjee distanced himself from the cash, stating, "The money was recovered from her house. Only she will be able to say anything on this." This statement marks his first public comment on one of the most controversial aspects of the school jobs scam case.
Chatterjee's release from jail on Tuesday came after being granted bail by the court on Monday, ending his nearly three-and-a-half-year legal ordeal. The former minister maintained that he received no formal suspension letter from the party and was informed about the decision while in Enforcement Directorate custody.
