Ashis Banerjee, who previously served as the Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly and was a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was discovered hanging at a TMC party office in Rampurhat, Birbhum, on Sunday morning. Police sources, as reported by PTI, confirmed the incident which has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles.
Investigation Underway, Suicide Note Recovered
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Banerjee's death. A purported one-page suicide note was reportedly found at the Hattala Para office, near his residence. While the authenticity of the note is yet to be independently verified by PTI, it has circulated on social media, claiming no one was responsible for his death and expressing regret over his decision to enter politics.
Police have sent Banerjee's body for a post-mortem examination. Investigators are carefully examining the alleged note along with other evidence to determine the exact cause and context of his death. The post-mortem report is expected to provide further clarity.
Allegations of Malignity and Political Disillusionment
According to the contents of the recovered note, Banerjee asserted that he had never engaged in corruption or accepted money for favors. He reportedly expressed his inability to speak out against "wrongdoings" within the party, even though he disagreed with them. The note also addressed the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA), where Banerjee claimed he had no involvement in tender decisions, cheque issuance, or plan approvals.
The veteran politician allegedly stated that attempts had been made to "malign" and humiliate him, leading him to feel that entering politics was a mistake. He advised his family members against joining politics and fondly recalled the affection he received from his former students.
A Long Political Career Ends Post-Election Defeat
Ashis Banerjee had a distinguished political career, representing Rampurhat in the West Bengal Assembly continuously from 2001 until 2026. During his tenure, he held significant ministerial portfolios, including school education and agriculture, within the Mamata Banerjee-led government. He also served as the Deputy Speaker.
In the 2026 Assembly election, Banerjee contested from Rampurhat on a TMC ticket but was defeated by BJP's Dhruva Saha by over 24,000 votes. Party sources indicate that he had been less active in politics following this defeat. His death occurs months after the TMC lost power in West Bengal after 15 years, with the BJP forming the new state government. This political shift has also been followed by a series of corruption-related investigations and arrests involving former TMC leaders and legislators.