BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has leveled serious allegations against West Bengal Minister Swapan Debnath, claiming that he is involved in the illegal sale of land belonging to Vidyanagar G.D. Vidyamandir, a school situated in East Bardhaman. The controversy originated from a document that recently went viral on social media, indicating that 4.6 decimals of land, identified as survey number 307/964, were donated to the Khal Bill Welfare Society. This document features Debnath's signature, listing him as the secretary of the school, which has prompted scrutiny regarding the authority and legality of this transaction.
The Khal Bill Welfare Society issued a statement clarifying that they intended to use the donated land for the establishment of a straw industry. They have claimed that this donation was made with the approval of the school’s management committee. However, this explanation has not alleviated concerns raised by critics and political opponents. The BJP argues that if the land was meant for government use, it should have been directly donated to the government rather than transferred to a private organization. They assert that such a process raises questions about transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulations governing school property.
In response to these allegations, Minister Swapan Debnath has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He stated that no land belonging to the school has been sold, and all decisions made by the managing committee were taken in the interest of the school's development and operational needs. Debnath also indicated that he might pursue legal action against Majumdar for defamation if these claims persist. He defended the actions of the committee and reiterated their commitment to educational development in the area.
The political ramifications of this dispute have escalated significantly, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) block president filing a complaint against Sukanta Majumdar at the Nadanghat police station, alleging that the accusations are baseless and politically motivated. As of now, the school administration has opted to remain silent on the matter, and no official comments have been made regarding the allegations.