Former Bengal Deputy Speaker Dies After Political Controversy

Former Trinamool Congress MLA from Rampurhat and former Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Ashis Banerjee, has been found hanging at a party office near his home in Rampurhat. A one-page note, described as a suicide note, was also recovered alongside his body.

According to a report by Anandabazar Patrika, Banerjee’s body was recovered on Sunday, 16 August, from a party office near his residence in Rampurhat, West Bengal. In the note, he did not hold anyone responsible for his death. Instead, he expressed regret over entering politics and addressed allegations that had been raised against him.

Banerjee wrote that he had been involved in politics since his student days. He referred to his time as general secretary of the students’ union at Burdwan University, claiming that he had never been involved in corruption during that period. He also stated that political differences with others had never escalated into personal enmity.

A substantial part of the note dealt with allegations concerning his responsibilities at the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority. Banerjee claimed that, apart from attending its general meetings, he had no administrative responsibilities there. He said he was not a member of any tender committee and had no authority to receive or issue cheques.

He also denied having any role in approving building plans or issuing no-objection certificates. The claims appeared to be intended to clarify the extent of his official responsibilities amid allegations against him.

Banerjee wrote that attempts had been made to insult and demean him, leaving him angry and frustrated. At one point, he expressed his regret in stark terms, writing that entering politics itself had been a mistake.

The note also contained advice for his family. He urged his relatives, particularly the younger members of his family, to stay away from politics and instead concentrate on their respective professions.

Before entering public life, Banerjee had worked as a teacher, and he recalled that part of his career in the note. He said he had regularly conducted classes, taken additional lessons and taught many students without charging fees. He also referred to the affection and respect he had received from his students.

Towards the end of the note, Banerjee asked his family members to remain calm. He explicitly stated that nobody was responsible for his death and did not name any individual as being directly responsible.

Banerjee had represented Rampurhat continuously from 2001 until 2026, serving as an MLA for five consecutive terms. During his political career, he held ministerial responsibilities in the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He served as the state’s School Education Minister and Agriculture Minister before later becoming Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

His death has sent shockwaves through West Bengal’s political circles, particularly in Rampurhat, where he had maintained a long-standing political presence. The circumstances surrounding his death, as well as the allegations referenced in his note, are expected to be examined by the relevant authorities.