Mamata Banerjee’s Challenge Over HC Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay Who Joined BJP

Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who stepped down from his position as a judge in the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday morning, officially joined the BJP on Thursday. West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, criticized his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party shortly after the announcement. Banerjee vowed to ensure Gangopadhyay’s defeat in any future Lok Sabha elections, implying he may run as a candidate. She also accused him of impacting the employment prospects of thousands of young people through his judicial rulings.

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During his induction into the BJP at their Salt Lake office, Gangopadhyay expressed his contentment at joining the party and pledged to work diligently as a party member. He emphasized the party’s objective of removing the allegedly corrupt Trinamool Congress (TMC) government from power in the state. Additionally, Gangopadhyay commented on the Sandeshkhali incident, where TMC leaders were accused of sexually abusing women, labeling it a disturbing event. He stated that despite obstacles, the BJP is championing the cause of the oppressed in Sandeshkhali.

Sukanta Majumdar, the state BJP president, welcomed Gangopadhyay into the party, commending his efforts as a high court judge in advocating for the marginalized and exploited people of Bengal. Majumdar expressed optimism that Gangopadhyay would continue his efforts within the BJP’s framework, and suggested that Bengal’s political landscape could undergo transformation with educated youth’s active involvement.

Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who became a high court judge in 2018, has been notable for controversial rulings during his tenure. Born in Kolkata in 1962, Gangopadhyay attended Mitra Institution and later graduated from Hazra Law College before commencing his career as a state lawyer in the Calcutta High Court. He transitioned from a civil service role to the legal profession and eventually ascended to the position of additional judge in 2018 before becoming a permanent judge two years later. One of his most contentious moments occurred when he granted a TV interview while presiding over a case related to the ‘school jobs for cash scam’ in April of last year.