Leena Gangopadhyay has resigned as the Chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for Women following a change in the state government. She left her position prematurely before the end of her term. Gangopadhyay, a well-known writer, producer, and director in the Tollywood film industry, is recognized for her contributions to women’s advocacy and her close association with the Trinamool Congress.
Her appointment as Chairperson of the state women’s commission took place in July 2023, with her term originally set to conclude in July of this year. However, she decided to step down after the recent change in government. Gangopadhyay had previously indicated her intention to resign about a month and a half ago amidst controversy surrounding the death of Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee.
The controversy arose when actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee drowned while shooting for a TV serial in Talsari, Odisha on March 29. Gangopadhyay’s production company was involved in the production of the serial, and questions were raised about the circumstances of the incident. Following Rahul’s death, allegations were made against Gangopadhyay and some members of the production team, leading to a rift within the Bengali entertainment industry.
In light of the situation and to ensure a fair investigation into the actor’s death, Gangopadhyay expressed her desire to resign from her position. However, she did not follow through with her resignation at that time. With the recent change in government following the defeat of the Trinamool Congress in the Assembly election, Gangopadhyay has now officially stepped down from her role. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has assumed power in the state, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress government headed by Mamata Banerjee.
