Mamata Banerjee Backs Sacked Bengal Teachers, Says ‘Ready To Go To Jail’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday met with school staff affected by the Supreme Court's decision that annulled 25,000 teaching appointments in the state. The large-scale gathering took place at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium, where hundreds of those impacted by the verdict were present.

During the meeting, Banerjee expressed her unwavering support for the dismissed teachers, saying, "I stand by those who lost their jobs in schools in Bengal. I will do everything to restore their dignity." While acknowledging that the state government must comply with the Supreme Court's order, she emphasized that her administration would take proactive measures to ensure the matter is handled with fairness and sensitivity.

"I will not allow eligible candidates to lose school jobs," she stated firmly, adding, "I am ready to even go to jail if anyone wants to penalise me for standing with those who lost school jobs."

Banerjee also alleged that her name was being unfairly implicated in a matter she was unaware of. She assured that the government has separate plans in place to prevent eligible candidates from losing their jobs or facing disruptions in their service.

Outside the venue, the situation turned chaotic as large crowds-including many without valid entry passes-gathered in an attempt to attend the meeting. The police struggled to control the surge, creating a significant security challenge, according to news agency PTI.

This was Banerjee's first major public address following the Supreme Court's recent decision, which upheld a Calcutta High Court order canceling thousands of school appointments over recruitment irregularities and procedural flaws.