CPI(M) suspends Tanmay Bhattacharya for 6 months over journalist harassment allegations

Tanmay Bhattacharya, a senior member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has been suspended for six months in connection with allegations of harassment made by a female journalist. The decision was finalized during a meeting of the CPI(M) state secretariat on Wednesday. A proposal regarding this suspension will be presented for approval at the party's state committee meeting on December 30 and 31. Given the current dynamics within the party, it is expected that the proposal will pass.

The harassment allegations emerged on October 27, when a female journalist accused Bhattacharya of sitting on her lap during a public event in West Bengal. This incident occurred during a period of heightened public unrest, with widespread protests over the rape and murder of a doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Bhattacharya denied the accusations, claiming the incident did not take place. Following the allegations, he was initially suspended by the CPI(M), but his suspension was lifted on December 14 after a report from the internal investigation committee was submitted to the party.

The investigation report concluded that there was insufficient conclusive evidence to directly support the harassment allegations. However, the report raised concerns regarding Bhattacharya’s behavior, indicating a "tendency" towards inappropriate conduct. Based on the findings, the investigation committee recommended that disciplinary action be taken. In response, the CPI(M) decided to suspend Bhattacharya from the party’s primary membership for six months. The suspension is contingent upon approval from the CPI(M) central committee, given that Bhattacharya is a member of the North 24 Parganas district secretariat.

As per party rules, disciplinary action against a district-level leader such as Bhattacharya requires the approval of the central committee before it can be officially implemented. Bhattacharya, whose suspension follows the conclusion of the internal investigation, will now face further scrutiny within the party. If approved, the six-month suspension will take effect in accordance with CPI(M)’s internal disciplinary guidelines.

The decision to suspend Bhattacharya follows a lengthy review of the harassment allegations and internal discussions within the CPI(M). Although the investigation did not find direct evidence of harassment, the recommendation for suspension is based on the findings of the internal inquiry. The CPI(M) is now focused on managing the disciplinary process, with the upcoming state committee meeting set to be a key point for determining the final outcome. The party has refrained from providing any further statements beyond confirming the suspension proposal and the investigation's conclusions.