CBI names TMC MLA & 2 KMC councillors in post-poll violence case; Party plans legal-political pushback

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a supplementary chargesheet in connection with the 2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal, naming Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Paresh Pal and two Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) councillors — Swapan Samaddar and Papia Ghosh — as accused. The chargesheet was submitted before a special court in Kolkata, adding fresh names to the ongoing probe into incidents of violence reported after the assembly elections.

Paresh Pal is the elected MLA from Beliaghata, while Swapan Samaddar is the councillor of Ward 58 and serves as a member of the Mayor-in-Council. Papia Ghosh is the councillor of Ward 30 in the KMC. All three have been listed as accused in the supplementary chargesheet related to the violence that allegedly took place in their respective jurisdictions.

Following the submission of the chargesheet, all three leaders reportedly contacted the party leadership and sought legal guidance. A senior member of the state cabinet stated that legal experts have started assessing options to challenge the charges in the special court. According to the plan under consideration, the first step could be filing petitions to remove their names from the list of accused.

The party has begun formulating a two-pronged strategy. Legally, party-appointed lawyers are preparing to represent the three leaders in court. Politically, the party is raising questions about the timing of the chargesheet, especially as the state approaches the next assembly elections. Internal discussions are underway on how to communicate the party's position publicly.

State cabinet representatives have also cited specific details regarding Paresh Pal, stating that he is over 70 years old and suffering from multiple health issues. They noted that he has been unable to attend assembly sessions due to his medical condition. Swapan Samaddar has confirmed that any further steps from his end will be taken in consultation with the party leadership and legal team.