Former Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Ganguly announces his decision to join BJP

"I am set to join the BJP. I will join the party most probably on March 7," said Ganguly.

When asked why he has decided to join BJP in particular, he said, "This is because BJP is the only national party, which is fighting against a criminal party like TMC."

Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding a rally in Barasat, West Bengal on March 7.

It is speculated Ganguly might join the BJP in the Prime Minister's presence.

Since his announcement, it has been speculated that Justice Ganguly may contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Tamluk on BJP's ticket.

"I have no idea. BJP will decide it," said Ganguly.

Who is Justice Abhijit Ganguly?

In 2022, Justice Abhijit Ganguly ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the teacher recruitment scam in West Bengal schools.

Justice Ganguly's orders in the scam cases have created ripples in the state with multiple arrests including the one of former education minister Partha Chatterjee.

However, Justice Ganguly was criticised by the Supreme Court last year for giving an interview to a Bengali news channel spoke on the cases, referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, revealing that he was upset with TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in one instance et al at length.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud had asked for a separate judge to hear the respective cases.

While Justice Ganguly's strict actions and directives had impressed anti-government protesters who were demanding "justice" and legitimate recruitments, a section of people had questioned his television interview citing "ethics".