TMC leader's suspected suicide sparks political blame game in West Bengal

Veteran Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal assembly deputy speaker Asish Banerjee was found dead Sunday at a party office in a suspected suicide, igniting a political firestorm in the state.

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It seems Banerjee died by suicide. A note, apparently written by Banerjee on his letterhead, says he was never involved in any corruption and that efforts were being made to tarnish his image.

Banerjee, 75, a five-time legislator and former state minister, visited the TMC office near his Rampurhat home in the morning. Relatives reported him missing after he did not respond to calls, prompting the police to be alerted. Officials suspect suicide, with a note reportedly found on Banerjee's letterhead stating he was never involved in corruption and that efforts were being made to tarnish his image. The authenticity of the note could not be independently verified. The purported note also expressed regret over joining politics and advised family members against it, specifically mentioning he was not involved in TRDA tender processes.

The Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA) is a state body responsible for local development. The BJP has alleged corruption within the authority, particularly concerning sand tenders, though they did not specifically name Banerjee, who chaired the body from 2016 to 2021. Police have not yet registered a formal complaint or FIR regarding these allegations.

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The harassment and mental pressure he faced, despite his long record of public service, should make all of us pause and reflect on the human cost of relentless political hostility.

Leaders from various parties called for an investigation. The TMC, led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accused the ruling BJP of systematically slandering Banerjee. Conversely, the BJP and a rival TMC faction blamed "corrupt" TMC leaders for threatening him. Mamata Banerjee posted on X that the "harassment and mental pressure" Banerjee faced highlighted the "human cost of relentless political hostility." Abhishek Banerjee, TMC national general secretary, echoed this, calling Banerjee a victim of a "relentless smear campaign" and reflecting on the "human consequences" of political actions.

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Those who participated in this smear campaign should reflect on the human consequences of their words and actions. Political battles will come and go, but a life once lost can never be brought back.