Following the Trinamool Congress’ defeat in elections, several advisory-post holders in the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal have started resigning. Despite Mamata Banerjee’s declaration that she won’t submit her resignation to Governor R.N. Ravi, resignations are underway. She expressed disbelief in the election results, claiming around 100 seats were ‘stolen.’
One notable resignation comes from economist Abhirup Sarkar, who stepped down from chairing both West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) and West Bengal Small Industries Development Corporation (WBSIDC). An insider from the state secretariat confirmed Sarkar’s resignation through email communication.
Additionally, two retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Alapan Bandopadhyay and H.K. Dwivedi, former West Bengal chief secretaries, have resigned as advisors to Mamata Banerjee. Reports suggest another former Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, has also resigned as principal secretary, though there is no official confirmation.
Former Advocate General Kishore Datta had resigned on Monday. Since Mamata Banerjee took office in 2011, the practice of retaining retiring bureaucrats and police officers in advisory roles at their last official salaries began. This move aimed to utilize their experience in governance. However, opposition parties, particularly the BJP, criticized this practice, alleging it rewarded retired officials for past actions.
