BJP Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Corruption in Teacher Recruitment
In a significant escalation of political conflict in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of masterminding a large-scale corruption scheme involving the teacher recruitment scam through the School Service Commission (SSC). The controversy has intensified following a Supreme Court verdict that upheld the Calcutta High Court‘s decision to cancel more than 25,000 appointments due to irregularities.
“Didi Will Go to Jail,” Claims BJP
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra has been vocal in his criticism, asserting that Mamata Banerjee will eventually face legal consequences. “Didi will go to jail, definitely she will,” said Patra in a press briefing, stressing that the BJP believes in upholding the rule of law and that those responsible for such widespread corruption should not go unpunished.
Patra claimed that the TMC-led government institutionalized corruption and failed to protect the integrity of the public recruitment process. He also accused Banerjee’s administration of trying to shield those involved in the scam while silencing dissent and obstructing investigations.
Supreme Court Upholds Cancellation of 25,000+ Jobs
The controversy reached a peak when the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to cancel over 25,000 teacher and non-teaching job appointments. The Court observed serious discrepancies, including tampered Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets and recruitment of ineligible candidates through bribes.
The ruling has shaken the education sector in the state, especially as these appointments were made through the 2016 SSC recruitment drive. The High Court had called the appointments “unconstitutional and illegal” and directed the state government and the SSC to conduct fresh and transparent recruitment processes.
Massive Recoveries Add Fuel to the Fire
The scam first drew national attention in 2022 when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former education minister Partha Chatterjee and his close associate Arpita Mukherjee. Investigations led to the recovery of approximately ₹21 crore in cash and jewelry worth over ₹1 crore from Mukherjee’s residence. These findings intensified public outrage and put the TMC government under scrutiny.
The ED and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have since continued probing the scandal, uncovering more layers of corruption. Evidence points to widespread bribery, favoritism, and a complete disregard for merit in the recruitment process.
Mamata Banerjee Responds: Calls Verdict “Illegal”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reacting strongly to the court verdict and BJP’s accusations, claimed that the judiciary was being influenced by political forces. She referred to the High Court’s ruling as “illegal” and suggested that BJP leaders were manipulating the legal process to target her government.
Banerjee vowed to fight back, saying that her government would challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court. She also declared her support for those who lost their jobs due to the court’s decision, stating that they were victims of a politically motivated attack.
Political War Intensifies in Bengal
The teacher recruitment scam has become a political flashpoint in West Bengal. The BJP is using the scandal to intensify its campaign against the TMC ahead of future elections. Patra criticized the silence of opposition leaders, particularly from the INDIA bloc, for not addressing the issue with the same intensity they reserve for NDA-ruled states.
According to BJP leaders, the opposition’s selective outrage reveals a clear political bias and an unwillingness to call out corruption when it involves their allies.
On the other hand, the TMC maintains that the BJP is trying to destabilize a democratically elected state government by weaponizing central agencies and courts. Party leaders claim the narrative is part of a broader strategy to weaken regional powers.
Fallout for Affected Teachers and Staff
The court’s decision to cancel over 25,000 appointments has left many candidates in limbo. These individuals, some of whom have been serving in government schools for years, now face job insecurity and financial uncertainty. Several protests have erupted across the state, with affected candidates demanding justice and compensation.
Banerjee’s government has promised to provide legal aid and support to those affected. However, the opposition insists that these individuals were illegally appointed and that the original recruitment process was severely compromised.
Demand for Mamata Banerjee’s Resignation
In the wake of the court’s ruling, BJP leaders have called for Mamata Banerjee’s resignation, holding her responsible for the “collapse of transparency and governance” in the education department. They argue that such a widespread scam could not have occurred without her knowledge and consent.
“This is not just a case of administrative failure—it’s a direct reflection of Mamata Banerjee’s governance model,” Patra said, adding that the people of West Bengal deserve better.
TMC’s Counterattack and Legal Moves
The TMC has not remained silent. Party leaders argue that the High Court’s decision is flawed and that the SSC should be given a chance to rectify errors rather than scrapping the entire recruitment batch. Legal experts close to the party are working on appealing the verdict in the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, TMC leaders have accused the BJP of trying to polarize public opinion and interfere with the state’s autonomy. The party’s media cell has launched campaigns to portray the affected teachers as victims of a “political vendetta.”
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The issue has drawn widespread media attention, with national outlets covering the developments and legal proceedings. Social media platforms are also abuzz with opinions, many demanding accountability and transparent governance.
Civil society groups and education activists have emphasized the need for systemic reform in public recruitment across India, urging states to adopt digital verification, AI-backed screening, and third-party audits.
What’s Next?
The case is far from over. The state government’s decision to challenge the Calcutta High Court ruling in the Supreme Court sets the stage for another legal battle. Meanwhile, BJP continues to use the scam as a political tool to erode Mamata Banerjee’s credibility.
As investigations proceed, more names may come under the scanner. The role of senior bureaucrats, education department officials, and SSC members is also being examined.
For now, West Bengal finds itself at the crossroads of legal accountability, administrative reform, and political warfare—each competing to define the state’s immediate future.
Read More: For a detailed overview of the Supreme Court’s verdict and its implications, read:
West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam: Supreme Court’s Shocking Verdict Cancels 25,000 Appointments
