The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered startling details in its probe into the alleged corruption in primary school teacher recruitment in West Bengal. Documents recovered during raids at Vikas Bhavan reveal the involvement of several influential politicians, including leaders from both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The investigation has brought to light how recommendations from these powerful figures allegedly influenced the recruitment process, leading to the appointment of over 130 candidates.
Key Figures Named in the Scam
The CBI documents name several high-profile individuals who reportedly recommended candidates for primary school teaching positions. Among them are:
- Dibyendu Adhikari: Former TMC MP and brother of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
- Bharati Ghosh: Former IPS officer and BJP leader.
- Mamata Bala Thakur: TMC MP.
- Saukat Molla: TMC MLA.
- Nirmal Ghosh, Bina Mondal, Shyamal Santra, Ramendranath Biswas, and Gulshan Mallick: All TMC leaders and MLAs.
The documents suggest that these individuals recommended candidates to former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with the recruitment scam.
CBI’s Findings
During a raid at Vikas Bhavan in June 2022, the CBI recovered a list of 324 job aspirants, alongside the names of the influential figures who recommended them. The West Bengal Board of Primary Education later provided the CBI with a list of 134 candidates who were ultimately appointed. Cross-referencing the two lists revealed that several recommended candidates secured jobs.
For instance:
- Dibyendu Adhikari recommended 11 candidates, of whom 5 were appointed.
- Mamata Bala Thakur recommended 20 candidates, with 2 securing jobs.
- Bharati Ghosh recommended 4 candidates, with 3 being appointed.
- Shyamal Santra recommended 22 candidates, with 3 getting jobs.
Denials from Accused
Despite the evidence, all accused politicians have denied any involvement in recommending candidates. Dibyendu Adhikari and Bharati Ghosh, now affiliated with the BJP, have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Similarly, TMC leaders Mamata Bala Thakur, Saukat Molla, and Ramendranath Biswas have also refuted the claims.
Political Implications
The scandal has significant political ramifications, especially in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The involvement of leaders from both the TMC and BJP has turned the issue into a political battleground. While the TMC has accused the BJP of using central agencies to target its leaders, the BJP has criticized the TMC for fostering a culture of corruption in West Bengal.
CBI’s Ongoing Investigation
The CBI is currently verifying whether the appointments were directly influenced by the recommendations. While none of the influential figures have been summoned yet, several appointees have been questioned. The agency is also examining the role of Mihir Goswami, a former TMC member and current BJP MLA, whose name appears in the documents.
The primary school recruitment scam has exposed deep-rooted corruption in West Bengal’s education system. As the CBI continues its investigation, the involvement of high-profile politicians from both major parties underscores the need for systemic reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment processes.