Former West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee Returns to Constituency Amidst Ongoing Legal Battle
Kolkata, West Bengal – Former West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee, currently suspended from the All Trinamool Congress (TMC), made his first visit to his Behala Paschim assembly constituency on Saturday, February 21, 2026, after a gap of over three years. The visit comes following his release on bail in November 2025 in connection with the School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam, a case that has shaken the political landscape of West Bengal. Chatterjee’s return to his constituency, coinciding with International Mother Language Day, was framed by the former minister as an opportunity to reconnect with constituents and address their concerns.
Chatterjee’s arrest in July 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) stemmed from allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of teaching staff in state-run schools. The ED’s investigation uncovered substantial amounts of cash allegedly linked to Chatterjee, recovered from the residence of his close aide, Arpita Mukherjee. The Supreme Court granted him bail in August 2025, but the legal proceedings remain ongoing. The case has led to significant political fallout, with Chatterjee being removed from his ministerial post and suspended from the TMC.
Addressing reporters outside his Naktala residence in South Kolkata before departing for his constituency, Chatterjee emphasized the significance of International Mother Language Day as a fitting occasion to engage with his electorate. He stated his intention to listen to their issues and “renew my relationship with them.” The visit marks a potential, albeit cautious, step towards re-establishing a political presence after a prolonged period of legal battles and public scrutiny. The SSC recruitment scam has been a major point of contention in West Bengal politics, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the state’s education system.
A Tumultuous Political Journey
Partha Chatterjee’s political career has been marked by a long association with the TMC, serving as a key strategist and holding significant positions within the party. Before the allegations surfaced, he was a prominent figure in the Mamata Banerjee-led government, serving as the Minister of Education. He previously held the influential position of TMC’s secretary-general, playing a crucial role in the party’s rise to power in 2011. His arrest and subsequent suspension from the TMC represent a dramatic fall from grace for a politician who was once considered a close confidant of the Chief Minister.
The allegations against Chatterjee center around a purported “cash-for-jobs” scheme, where This proves alleged that money was exchanged for teaching positions in state-run schools. The ED investigation revealed a complex network of alleged financial transactions and irregularities in the recruitment process. The Supreme Court initially denied Chatterjee bail in December 2024, citing the gravity of the allegations and the substantial amount of money allegedly recovered from his associate. The court expressed concerns about sending a message that corruption would be tolerated.
Constituency Visit and Future Prospects
During his visit to Behala Paschim, Chatterjee stated that his office would remain open to address the concerns of his constituents. He similarly noted that the local administration had ensured the continuity of essential services during his visit. Though, when questioned about his intentions to contest the upcoming assembly polls, Chatterjee remained noncommittal, stating, “It is not in my hands.” This ambiguity reflects the uncertain political landscape he currently faces, given the ongoing legal proceedings and his suspension from the TMC.
Chatterjee’s return to his constituency also comes amidst recent announcements by the West Bengal government regarding a series of allowances, including the Yuva Sathi scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to the youth. When asked about these initiatives, Chatterjee acknowledged their potential benefits for social welfare, drawing parallels to similar allowances introduced by previous CPI governments. He also emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities, arguing that grants and allowances should not be seen as substitutes for employment.
The SSC Recruitment Scam: A Broader Context
The SSC recruitment scam has triggered widespread protests and demands for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption within the West Bengal education system. The scandal has implicated numerous individuals, including other TMC leaders and officials, and has raised serious questions about the integrity of the recruitment process. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also conducting a parallel investigation into the matter, working alongside the ED to uncover the full extent of the alleged irregularities.
The case has become a focal point for opposition parties in West Bengal, who have used it to criticize the TMC government and demand accountability. The outcome of the legal proceedings and the findings of the investigations are expected to have significant implications for the political future of Partha Chatterjee and the TMC. The scandal has also prompted calls for reforms in the state’s education system to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities scrutinizing financial transactions and examining the roles of various individuals involved in the recruitment process.
Subiresh Bhattacharya and Shantiprasad Sinha, also accused in the recruitment corruption case, were granted bail alongside Chatterjee, according to News18 reporting. This development suggests a potential shift in the legal strategy surrounding the case, although the charges against all three individuals remain.
Key Takeaways
- Partha Chatterjee, a former West Bengal Minister, has made his first public appearance in his constituency after being released on bail in the SSC recruitment scam case.
- The visit coincides with International Mother Language Day and is framed as an effort to reconnect with constituents.
- Chatterjee remains suspended from the TMC and his future political prospects are uncertain.
- The SSC recruitment scam continues to be a major political issue in West Bengal, with ongoing investigations and demands for accountability.
- The Supreme Court initially denied Chatterjee bail in December 2024, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
The next significant development in this case is expected to be a further hearing scheduled in the coming months, where the CBI and ED will present additional evidence and arguments. The court will then determine the next steps in the legal proceedings, potentially leading to a trial. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the political landscape of West Bengal and the future of those implicated in the alleged scam.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this developing story in the comments section below. Your engagement helps us provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of important events around the world.