West Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday alleged new corruption in the state’s teacher recruitment examinations. Adhikari claimed a jailed Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA collected money for School Service Commission (SSC) appointments from inside prison. He demanded the case be transferred to another state for investigation.
Allegations of Bribery from Jail
Adhikari made his accusations at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in his Nandigram constituency. He referred to the teacher recruitment examinations held in September . These exams followed a Supreme Court ruling in April that invalidated the SSC’s 2016 panel.
The Supreme Court annulled the appointments of nearly 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff. The court found the selection process in state-run and -aided institutions to be tainted. Adhikari’s new allegations suggest ongoing corruption despite the previous judicial intervention.
Audio Clip Presented as Evidence
During his media address, Adhikari played an audio clip. He claimed the voice belonged to the incarcerated TMC legislator. The voice in the clip allegedly asked aspirants to pay money to secure success in the exams. News agency PTI could not independently verify the audio clip’s authenticity.
Adhikari named the MLA, who is already in jail for an earlier SSC scam. Adhikari stated he would hand over all details to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday. The ED arrested the MLA on August 25 this year. His arrest followed a four-hour interrogation at his Murshidabad residence. The MLA is currently lodged in Alipore Correctional Home in Kolkata.
Specific Financial Claims and Case Transfer Demand
Adhikari claimed the alleged demand for securing a position was Rs 50,000 . He stated he possessed proof that Rs 15,500 had already been paid by an aspirant. This evidence forms the basis of his call for an external investigation.
“This exam has again proved that this particular TMC MLA has been collecting money even from behind bars,” Adhikari said. He specifically demanded the case be transferred to a different state to ensure impartiality.
BJP’s Recruitment Reform Promises
Adhikari also addressed SSC candidates, urging them to support the BJP. He outlined several proposals for future recruitment processes if the BJP forms the government. He promised that SSC exams would be held every year, mirroring practices in other states.
Additionally, Adhikari pledged candidates would receive their OMR sheets . He stated one copy could be taken home after the exam. He also proposed relaxing the age limit for candidates for the first three years under a BJP administration. Adhikari confirmed these proposals would be included in the BJP’s final manifesto.
TMC Dismisses Allegations
A senior TMC leader responded to Adhikari’s claims. The leader accused Adhikari of attempting to derail the ongoing SSC recruitment process. The ruling party maintains that the current recruitment is being conducted fairly and transparently.
“Let there be a proper investigation into his claims, which appear to have been fabricated by Adhikari himself,” the TMC leader stated. The leader further cautioned Adhikari against jeopardizing the future of thousands of young candidates.