Unique Abhijit Gangopadhyay and politics of West Bengal
Finally, unique Abhijit Gangopadhyay could realise ‘Centre not doing enough to remove Mamata from power’. We fail to understand why it took such a discerning person like Abhijit Gangopadhyay so long to understand. The people of West Bengal have been raising this setting theory for a long time, and it has even come up in tea stall banter.
However, when it comes from the BJP leader and a sitting MP, it certainly sparks controversies. Such a suicidal statement has erupted political rows.
High court to Politics
We must reiterate that unique Abhijit Gangopadhyay was a Calcutta High Court judge who entered politics following his voluntary retirement from the bench. As a judge his stance against corruptions have become a myth in West Bengal.
When he ordered for CBI probe into the SSC scam, he became a hero. His remarks like ‘Dhaki shomet bishorjon diye debo’ (immerse them along with the drummer) or ‘Dehre indur’ (powerful corrupt individuals have to be caught) showed the Bengali people a ray of hope.
People started believing him, thinking that at least the guilty would be punished. But due to the lengthy delays in the judicial process and the passage of time, that hope has begun to fade.
But his uncompromising continuous endeavor to identify, isolate and punish the main culprits had turned him to a crusader against corruptions.
His frequent orders for the CBI probe in various cases cultivated an almost reverent devotion toward him among the public. This momentum, spurred by the Primary Teachers’ corruption case and several other legal orders and comments, elevated Unique Abhijit Gangopadhyay to the status of a Bengali icon.
Icons in West Bengal
West Bengal was once rich in icons. Many Bengalis brought glory to the region in various aspects of life. The Andaman Cellular Jail stands as a witness to the names of a majority of Bengali Freedom fighter. It must not be forgotten that Bengal was an ideal center for education, culture, and progress. Unfortunately, today only a shadow of that past remains. Therefore, the people here are now seeking solace by elevating almost anyone they find to the status of a hero. This is why, despite the many shortcomings, individuals like Sourav Ganguly or Abhijit Gangopadhyay have been envisioned today as their worshipped figures.
When an icon emerges in society, people begin to trust and worship them. They are then no longer guided by reason. Emotion becomes their driving force. Whatever that icon does or says, people support them blindly. People think that what he says is correct, and that it is for the welfare for their own and society.
Inevitably, at that time reason takes a back seat, and faith moves to the forefront. Faith then ceases to be merely a matter of preaching, it rather becomes a provocation. Even today, Bengal has not reached a stage where faith renders reason unnecessary; faith alone has become the only refuge even today. Stalin’s Russia in history stands as an example. In Indian context, Rajinikanth or Ramachandran were able to create such an emotion that their fans would not hesitate to even fight for their heroes. People become frenzied.
Unique Abhijit Gangopadhyay
Abhijit Gangopadhyay had turned to exactly such an icon. People are unwilling to accept even his mistakes or shortcomings. How can the Bengali people, preoccupied with the struggle for their very existence, afford the luxury of judging between right and wrong.
Otherwise, Abhijit Gangopadhyay with his certain actions have come under the microscopic lenses of his critics. His frequent critical remarks against the ruling dispensation, mainly during the teacher recruitment scams, had raised acrimonious debates.
He even passed a remark that he might ask the Election Commission to cancel registration of Trinamool Congress as a political party.
He had even gone to the extent of advising the Chief Minister to remove one of her cabinet ministers. His controversial remarks regarding the affidavit of Abhishek Banerjee about his properties or threat to send Abhishek to custody for comments about the judiciary, drew sharp criticism from others.
While the commoners greeted them cordially, the TMC alleged that Abhijit Gangopadhyay is exhibiting his vendetta. His criticism and acts even on his fellow judges had even drawn intervention of the Apex court.
Abhijit Gangopadhyay – the potted plant
Narendra Modi or Late Indira Gandhi had navigated a challenging political landscape and emerged as icons. Did Abhijit Gangopadhyay ever face such challenging and competitive politics in West Bengal? Rather, he was a potted plant. Subhendu Adhikary had awarded him one of the safest seats in West Bengal and he had left no stone unturned to send him to the parliament.
What has been his contribution to the party or in parliament? He had continued to show such a daunting attitude on the floor of the parliament also. It seems Abhijit Gangopadhyay forgot that citizens are informed voters, not mindless fanatics or fools.
His audacious remark in the past that “the West Bengal Politics is full of sub-standard people” immediately prompts the query of whether he includes his party colleagues, Sukanta Majumdar and Suvendu Adhikari, in that description.
Abhijit Gangopadhyay had clearly emphasized that his prime reason for joining the BJP was to see the Trinamool Congress thwarted.
His recent comment about the center’s lack of action against Trinamool, has further complicated the situation for Suvendu Adhikari. Such a dilemma resulted in the otherwise vocal leader resorting to “No Comments” when pressed by journalists.
Unique Abhijit Gangopadhyay – An Icon?
We sincerely acknowledge that unique Abhijit Gangopadhyay performed his work in the judiciary with great skill and efficacy. It is also undeniable that his relentless efforts not only threw a stone at the hornet’s nest, but also landed several high-ranking individuals behind bars. The judgment concerning the cancellation of 26000 teachers’ appointments was also upheld by the higher courts.
But he now needs to realize he is no longer a judge but rather a public servant.
Therefore, arrogance in his conduct or way of speaking will never be tolerated. If he does not choose to understand this himself, then the time has truly come for someone to teach him this lesson. If not, his prime objective of entry into politics will prove to be completely in vain.
