Corruption in West Bengal: Former Chief Secretary Sounds Alarm

Former West Bengal chief secretary Ardhendu Sen raises concerns about the escalating corruption in the state under the TMC government, highlighting issues such as suffering teachers, ration scandals, and jailed ministers.

In a startling revelation, former West Bengal chief secretary Ardhendu Sen has asserted that corruption in the state has reached unprecedented levels during the current Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime. Addressing a gathering of intellectuals, former jurists, and bureaucrats in Kolkata, Sen highlighted the absence of such widespread corruption during the tenure of the previous government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Extent of Corruption

Sen emphasized the severity of the current situation, stating that teachers are suffering, job seekers are facing hardships, and there are allegations of ration scandals. He further pointed out that several ministers have been imprisoned on corruption charges, indicating a lack of control over the situation by the present Chief Minister.

Reaction from Trinamool Congress

In response to Sen's remarks, Trinamool Congress state spokesperson Kunal Ghosh countered by reminding Sen of past instances of corruption during the Left Front rule. Ghosh mentioned the resignation of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee from the cabinet of former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, citing his unwillingness to be part of a "cabinet of thieves." Additionally, Ghosh highlighted the resignation of Jatin Chakraborty as the PWD minister due to the Bengal Lamp scandal, suggesting a history of corruption during the Communist Party of India (Marxist) rule.

The allegations of unprecedented corruption under the TMC regime, as raised by former chief secretary Ardhendu Sen, have sparked a debate and drawn a response from the ruling party. As the discourse continues, it remains crucial to address and combat corruption effectively to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.