Suvendu Adhikari Alleges New SSC Recruitment Scam Involving Jailed TMC MLA

Suvendu Adhikari has alleged a fresh corruption scandal in the SSC teacher recruitment process, implicating a jailed TMC MLA in collecting bribes from candidates. He plans to submit evidence to the Enforcement Directorate.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has raised fresh allegations of corruption in the recent teacher recruitment exams. He claims that a jailed Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA is involved in collecting bribes for School Service Commission (SSC) appointments from prison. These exams were conducted in September after the Supreme Court annulled SSC's 2016 panel due to a tainted selection process.

Adhikari addressed the media at the BJP office in Nandigram, presenting an audio clip purportedly featuring the voice of the imprisoned TMC legislator. The voice allegedly instructs aspirants to pay money to pass the exams. However, the authenticity of this audio could not be independently verified. Adhikari named the MLA, who is already jailed for a previous SSC scam, and stated, "Tomorrow I will hand over all these details to the ED."

Allegations and Evidence

The BJP leader further alleged that this exam has shown that the TMC MLA continues to collect money even while incarcerated. He claimed that Rs 50,000 is demanded from candidates, with evidence of Rs 15,500 already paid. Adhikari demanded that this case be transferred to another state for investigation. The MLA was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on August 25 after a four-hour interrogation at his Murshidabad home and is currently held at Alipore Correctional Home in Kolkata.

Adhikari appealed to SSC candidates to support BJP, promising annual exams if they come to power. He assured that candidates would receive OMR sheets with one copy allowed to be taken home. Additionally, he proposed relaxing age limits for three years if BJP forms the government, stating he would include this in their final manifesto.

TMC's Response

A senior TMC leader responded to these allegations by accusing Adhikari of trying to disrupt the ongoing SSC recruitment process. The ruling party insists that the process is fair and transparent. The TMC leader stated, "Let there be a proper investigation into his claims, which appear to have been fabricated by Adhikari himself. He should not jeopardise the future of thousands of young candidates."

The controversy surrounding these allegations highlights ongoing tensions between political parties over recruitment processes in West Bengal. Both sides continue to assert their positions as investigations unfold.

With inputs from PTI