Mamata Banerjee urges judiciary “not to take people’s jobs"

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pleaded for the people who lost their jobs and urged the judiciary “not to take people’s jobs and put their family in dire states”, mentioning that she was saddened by two suicides committed by young people recently in connection with the job loss. Banerjee was speaking at the programme at Alipore Judges Court commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Rishi Aurobindo.

Recently, Calcutta High Court has ordered cancellation of recommendation of 785 ineligible candidates in Group-C category in connection with West Bengal State Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam.

“Everyday people are losing jobs. Please don’t take jobs from people,” Mamata Banerjee urged the advocates and judges present at the programme, saying “these people are victims of the situation. They also have families to feed and parents to look after. What will they eat if they lose their jobs?” Banerjee said suicides of two persons have been haunting her.

“I have never done wrong in my life knowingly. After coming to power, I have not taken the job of a single CPI-M cadre. Then, why are you (Opposition) doing it!” Banerjee said. She also referred to a verdict by Justice Ashok Ganguly, where he had mentioned in a verdict to rectify instead of taking someone’s job.

During Left rule, Justice Ashok Ganguly had said, "Correct it if there is some discrepancy." He did not talk about taking away the jobs of people. But nowadays within moments, thousands of jobs and appointments are getting cancelled, Banerjee added. "I am not saying \don't take action against those involved in corruption. Take strong action against them but at the same time do not victimise others and allow them a chance to reappear for examination."

“If someone resorts to corrupt practice at the grassroot level, it is their fault. They should be punished. Not everyone is a Trinamool cadre, neither are all government cadres. Why blame and victimize the youth for the fault of the corrupt people in the grassroot! I will stay in the path of justice and righteousness,” Banerjee said. “Everyday, people are losing jobs. It is sad to witness people committing suicide. If need be- you (judiciary) can ask them (ineligible candidates) to appear for entrance examination again. It is just a suggestion.”

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress expelled party youth leaders Santanu Banerjee and Kuntal Ghosh who have been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the recent past in connection with teacher recruitment scam

State Minister and Trinamool leader Sashi Panja said, “We have zero tolerance on corruption. The party will not take responsibility if anyone is involved in any corrupt practices. Partha Chatterjee was suspended from the post. Santanu Banerjee and Kuntal Ghosh have been expelled from the party.”