‘Ideologically I stand with the party’: Partha Chatterjee returns to Behala after jail term, leaves poll decision to party

After spending more than three years in jail in connection with the teacher recruitment scam, former minister Partha Chatterjee returned to his constituency, Behala West, for the first time since his arrest. The five-time MLA visited his old stronghold on Thursday, meeting supporters at his MLA office in the Manton area after leaving his residence in Naktala. His appearance revived political discussions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Welcomed by longtime supporters, Chatterjee appeared emotional as he expressed gratitude to the people who had backed him for years. When asked whether he would contest the next Assembly elections, he said the decision would be taken by the party high command. He maintained that while he would share his personal views later, he remains ideologically aligned with the party.

Chatterjee’s political journey in Behala West dates back to 2001, when he left a corporate career to enter politics and defeated veteran CPI(M) leader Nirmal Mukhopadhyay. He went on to win the seat five consecutive times until 2021, consolidating his influence in the area. His latest visit, however, comes after a period marked by arrest, loss of ministerial position and suspension from the Trinamool Congress for six years.

The visit also carried emotional undertones. After securing bail and recovering from health complications, Chatterjee chose Language Day to reconnect with his electorate. Sitting in his car, sharing tea with supporters and inspecting the locality, he sought to convey that he remains connected to the grassroots.

Yet, the absence of the 10 Trinamool Congress councillors from the constituency was conspicuous, signalling uncertainty about his current standing within the party. With corruption allegations still casting a shadow and his suspension in place, the decision on whether he will be fielded again now rests with the party leadership.