KOLKATA: Former Trinamool Congress MLA and ex-deputy speaker of the West Bengal assembly Asish Banerjee was found dead at his party office in Birbhum district on Sunday, police said.A purported suicide note was also found. In the note, Banerjee allegedly wrote, “I never got involved in corruption; entering politics was the mistake”.The note also reflects on his political journey and reportedly contains his reflections on his years in politics.Banerjee also advised his family to “stay away from politics” in the note.The note ended with, “No one is responsible for my death.”
Purported suicide note
The note also touches upon what Banerjee described as “wrongdoings” within the Trinamool Congress. He allegedly wrote that while he could not always accept such actions, he had been unable to protest against them.Banerjee also referred to the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA), saying he had no involvement in decisions concerning tenders, cheques, plan approvals or no-objection certificates. Banerjee in note claimed that he only attended its general meetings and was not part of the tender committee.He also alleged that attempts had been made to “malign” and humiliate him.‘Was an honest man’TMC Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam said Banerjee was an honest and highly educated leader and suggested that his name may have been maligned by the opposition.“Ashish was the most honest and highly educated person in Birbhum. Many people joined politics inspired by him. According to his suicide note, probably his name was maligned by the opposition party.”“This is a loss not just to Birbhum but to the entire West Bengal… An investigation should be held on the basis of the suicide note… He was a 5-time MLA, a former officer,” he added further.
What we know so far
Police officials said Banerjee was found hanging at his party office.His body was being taken to Rampurhat Medical College for a post-mortem examination.Banerjee had represented the Rampurhat constituency as an MLA for five terms.He had also served as a minister, holding portfolios including AYUSH and agriculture, and was a professor at Rampurhat College.He stepped down as chairman of the TMC’s Birbhum district core committee in June, weeks after the party suffered defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.Banerjee also lost his Rampurhat seat in the polls. He was defeated by BJP’s Dhruba Saha.Following news of his death, TMC workers gathered outside the party office and at Banerjee’s residence in Rampurhat.
