"Mamata Backs Sacked Bengal Teachers in Jobs Scam Case, Says 'Ready to Go to Jail If Needed'"

Mamata Banerjee Vows to Stand by Sacked Bengal Teachers, Says 'Ready to Go to Jail If Needed'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has pledged her unwavering support to over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff whose appointments were scrapped following a Supreme Court verdict related to the 2016 school jobs bribery scandal. In a strong statement of solidarity, Banerjee declared she is willing to go to jail if necessary for defending those affected.

Speaking at a public meeting, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief reassured the dismissed staff, saying, "Please don’t think we have accepted this silently. We are not stone-hearted. I may even be jailed for saying this, but I don’t care."

The Supreme Court had recently invalidated thousands of school appointments made in 2016, citing irregularities and bribery in the recruitment process. The ruling led to widespread disruption in schools across West Bengal, with more than 25,000 teachers and staff choosing not to report to work the following day.

Addressing the emotional turmoil faced by the affected individuals, Banerjee said, "I stand by those who lost jobs in schools in Bengal and will do everything to restore their dignity. I will not allow eligible candidates to lose their school jobs."

She reiterated her government's commitment to defending the rights of qualified teachers and staff who, she argues, should not be penalized due to administrative corruption. Banerjee emphasized that those who are eligible and appointed fairly should not suffer due to the scandal.

"If anyone wants to penalize me for supporting them, I am ready to go to jail," she said firmly, drawing applause from the crowd.

The state government is now expected to explore legal and administrative options to address the fallout from the Supreme Court's ruling.