Asish Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee’s Close Aide, Found Dead At Trinamool Office
Kolkata: Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker and veteran Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a Trinamool Congress office next to his home in Rampurhat, Birbhum, on Sunday morning.
Police said Banerjee’s body was found hanging inside the party office. It has been sent for a post-mortem examination as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
Banerjee, a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, had served in several important positions during the Trinamool Congress’s years in power. He was also a minister in the West Bengal government after Mamata Banerjee’s party first came to power.
Handwritten Note Found Near Body
Local reports said a handwritten note was found near Banerjee’s body. The note reportedly stated that “no one is responsible for my death”, although its contents have not been independently verified.
According to reports quoting the purported note, Banerjee expressed regret over entering politics and advised younger members of his family to stay away from politics and focus on their professions.
The note also reportedly contained allegations about his role in the Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA). Banerjee allegedly said he had limited responsibilities there and denied having any role in tender decisions, cheque approvals, building-plan clearances or the issuance of no-objection certificates.
He also reportedly said he had been unable to speak out against what he considered wrongdoing within the party, while denying involvement in corruption.
Lost Rampurhat Seat in Latest Election
Banerjee, who lived in the Hattalapara area of Rampurhat, lost the recent state election to BJP’s Dhruba Saha.
His death comes at a politically significant moment for West Bengal, with the Trinamool Congress having recently lost power after 15 years of government.
In Birbhum district, the BJP won six of the 11 Assembly constituencies in the latest election, compared with just one seat for the party in 2021, when the Trinamool had won 10.
Banerjee had also stepped down as chairman of the Trinamool Congress’s Birbhum district core committee in June, although he said he would continue as an ordinary party member.
Abhishek Banerjee Raises Questions
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee reacted to the death and criticised what he described as a prolonged smear campaign against the veteran leader.
In a post on X, he said the purported final note raised “serious and troubling questions” about the allegations Banerjee had faced.
Abhishek Banerjee also criticised the BJP and sections of the media, arguing that allegations and reputational attacks should not become a substitute for establishing facts.
A large crowd gathered outside the Trinamool office after news of Banerjee’s death spread.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the death, while the post-mortem report is expected to provide further information. The contents and authenticity of the purported handwritten note will also be examined as part of the investigation.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
