Kolkata : Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who has been on warpath against corruption, has announced that he will resign from the judiciary and that he will join politics. Addressing a media conference, Justice Gangopadhyay announced that he may resign next Tuesday and join politics without clarifying on which party ticket, he will contest the elections.
He, however, said he will not join the Trinamool Congress. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh welcomed the decision of the judge and asked Justice Gangopadhyay how he could accept corruption and such allegations which will be there whichever party he may join.
The Left is keeping the door open for Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, sources said. The decision of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay created ripples in the national political circles. His statement came just at a time when the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are fast approaching. His announcement triggered speculation on which party ticket he will contest the coming polls.
All parties are making preparations for the Lok Sabha polls. BJP has already announced the first phase list of candidates and announced the names of 20 candidates for West Bengal. On the other hand, Trinamool and other political parties have not declared their candidates list yet. In this situation, Justice Gangopadhyay suddenly took everyone by surprise.
On his prospects of contesting, he said, "Left, Congress, BJP - and there are many small political parties. If they think, they will give tickets. I will resign next Tuesday. I will send resignation letter to President, Chief Justice of India and Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. I will send my resignation."
Justice Gangopadhyay said, "I will go to the political arena. The ruling party has repeatedly challenged. In the political arena, we have seen Maurya Empire in history, we are seeing Chaury Empire here. There is no question of joining Trinamool." Earlier, there has been several controversies over the comments the judge has made while hearing or passing judgements in various cases.
The ruling TMC has also launched sharp attacks on Justice Gangopadhyay several times. Against this backdrop, the decision of Justice Gangopadhyay is considered significant in the political circles. Justice Gangopadhyay said that the ruling party has said disrespectful things when it has not liked his observations and some brokers wearing black coats also came to this field.
Justice Gangopadhyay also held a press conference in the afternoon and said that he will resign as per Article 217 of the Constitution and there is no way to take it back. "I have received unwavering support from the media. I bow down to the media for your support. I am very grateful to the media of West Bengal. Thank you for your support in the fight against corruption," he said.
In his reaction, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh wrote on X, "Justice Gangopadhyay. Best wishes for the new innings. It is good for such people to enter politics. Whichever party you join, there will be questions about your previous judgement, neutrality of dialogue. You have said that as an anti-Trinamool, it will be proof. Whichever party you join, there will be corruption or other allegations. Can you accept them then? There will be political differences. But if someone comes to politics from other important professions, then it is healthy or positive in the politics of parliamentary democracy. Welcome as a political activist."
Justice Gangopadhyay also spoke about Kunal Ghosh in his press conference, saying, "I have talked a lot with Kunal Ghosh. I like Kunal Babu as a person. What he says as a spokesperson is different. God speaks these words with Bengali passion. Caste is not so prominent here because Bengali has passion."
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