Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari also mourned Banerjee's death but ruled out a BJP-link in it and hinted at the role of some tainted TMC leaders: Reports
KOLKATA: Former West Bengal minister and Trinamul Congress veteran Ashish Banerjee, who also became deputy speaker of state Assembly, committed suicide at a party office near his residence in Rampurhat of Birbhum on Sunday morning after allegedly facing humiliation. He was found by his family members and police hanging dead with a nylon rope tied around his neck from the ceiling fan at the TMC office in Haat Tolapara.
A suicide note, recovered from the spot, revealed his repeated regret to his entry to politics and his advice to his kin not to follow his footsteps after facing a smear campaign despite having no link to corruption. Banerjee purportedly stated, “I condemn whatever has been done to malign me,” but held no one responsible for his drastic step in the note. He held school education and agriculture portfolios before serving as Assembly deputy speaker between 2021 and 2026 during the TMC-rule. The senior TMC leader lost his seat, Rampurhat, to BJP this time.
In a condolence message, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee stated that his death “has left me deeply disturbed. He spent much of his life teaching and serving society with dedication, always known for his humble nature and close bond with the people of Rampurhat and Birbhum. What makes this tragedy even more painful is the immense mental and emotional strain he appears to have endured in his final days.”
Ms Banerjee added, “As a five-term MLA, former Deputy Speaker and Chairman, Asish Da dedicated himself to bringing development to Rampurhat and undertook a large number of important works for the people. Yet, despite the work he did, he was repeatedly maligned, falsely accused and subjected to relentless pressure.”
She claimed, “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. My heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family, loved ones, former students and countless admirers. His absence will be deeply felt, always.” Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari also mourned Banerjee's death but ruled out a BJP-link in it and hinted at the role of some tainted TMC leaders.
