Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: The political storm in West Bengal continues to escalate following the Supreme Court’s cancellation of over 25,000 teaching and non-teaching appointments in the state’s SSC scam. BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato (Purulia) has written to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, urging him to safeguard the sanctity of the judiciary amid public criticism by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The BJP leader accused Mamata Banerjee of undermining judicial integrity through her statements criticizing the apex court’s ruling. In her recent address, Mamata had asserted that even if she had to go to jail, she would not allow teachers to lose their jobs. “Justice has triumphed, but the dignity of the judiciary must also be preserved,” Mahato wrote in his letter.
He alleged that the West Bengal government is attacking the judiciary, and called for action against what he termed as political assaults on the Supreme Court.
Mamata Stands Firm Despite Verdict
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Mamata Banerjee assured affected teachers that her government would continue to support them. In a meeting held at Netaji Indoor Stadium, she encouraged terminated teachers and staff to return to their schools and continue working. She also promised to provide alternative arrangements for eligible candidates within two months.
The CM declared that her government will file a review petition against the Supreme Court’s April 3 verdict and seek a clarification from the bench.
On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to annul the appointments of 25,753 school employees in government and aided institutions across West Bengal. The selection process carried out by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) in 2016 was deemed fraudulent and tainted by the apex court.
Youth Protest Against State Government
In the wake of the verdict, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged protests against the TMC-led state government. Demonstrators slammed CM Mamata Banerjee for allegedly destroying the state’s education system.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, also criticized Mamata Banerjee, holding her responsible for the systemic failures in recruitment and demanding that she be held legally accountable.
