Calcutta High Court judge Justice Abhijit Ganguly, known for his strong stance against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), resigned on Tuesday five-and-a-half months before his tenure ended.
Amid the strong speculation that he may join politics, News18 spoke to him exclusively about his plans.
Edited excerpts:
Why did you decide to resign?
I have realised my work here is done. I have completed my duty in the judiciary and I think I should resign. I will give my resignation on March 5 and move on.
You were fighting for people who needed justice, they say. Now what will happen to them?
Investigation in all cases is on. It
The ruling party has said that you are resigning to join politics and have raised questions on the neutrality of your judgments…
Most of the ruling party members are half-learned, which is why they are saying so. What they say does not matter me at all. They are part of the 'half-learned club'…
You have bashed the ruling TMC several times and have even ordered Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probes in a lot of cases. The ruling party has called it a planned move…
I have bashed corrupt people. If the ruling party people are corrupt, I cannot help it. It's not that they have made small mistakes, these were deliberate serious errors. If mistakes are deliberate, then that is definitely corruption.
You have given so many cases to the ED and CBI, are you happy with their investigation?
The ED and CBI are very slow and they should have acted promptly. I must say they that there is a huge burden on them. There are a huge number of cases. The scams involve big rackets. It is not a small thing. There is a huge amount of pressure.
How big is the recruitment scam?
It's huge…as I told you, it's a huge racket. A large number of corrupt people have done it together. A lot of dalals (agents) and commission earners were involved. They sold every job in the village. They took money from the poor. They are all from the ruling party. Some of them are in jail. It's huge.
How do you rate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)?
The BJP is better than the TMC and also than the Congress. The TMC is obviously not a political party. They are a club. The Congress is a 'family zamindar' party. Compared to the TMC, the Congress and BJP fare better. However, the TMC is the worst party I have ever seen…
Has the BJP or Left asked you to join their party?
Let them offer, then we will see. This is a hypothetical question. I can't answer like this.
What is your take on PM Narendra Modi?
Modi is a hardworking man who is trying to pull India out of great danger. His leadership is definitely good. He is doing a lot of things.
What's your take on TMC chief Mamata Banerjee?
Although she is a veteran politician, my opinion of her is poor. Is there any administration in Bengal? Law and order is at an all-time low. Why do political parties have to come to court for permissions for meetings? This is Bengal, which has a rich heritage. She fails in every aspect — as an administrator, leader…
What has been the reaction after you announced your resignation?
I am not getting any negative reaction. At least 200 people have met me saying I am taking the right decision. An 82-year-old told me I should have completed my whole tenure. He was the only one to say so. I am getting very good reaction.
Do you think that your mission of changing things will stop or will you take it forward?
I am on a mission, but I know I will not be able to change everything. I will try though.
What do you have to say about the political system of India?
The political system of India is mostly corrupt and something needs to be done about it. When the ED raids their house, they start shouting that it happens because they are in the opposition…Have you seen the ED or CBI chasing CPM leaders? If there anybody in India who fights with the BJP that's CPM, but there is no such case against them… All allegations that Modi is using the CBI and ED are baseless.
What's your take on Sandeshkhali? Do you think the CBI should investigate?
The CBI should investigate. The police is not allowed to carry out an investigation. I know the Bengal police can do a good job, but they won't be allowed to work. I prefer the CBI.
But the CBI does not have much success rate, according to the TMC…
I engage the CBI and ED as soon as things happen, so a lot of good investigation has happened. Some big people are now languishing in jail. If the CBI is allowed to investigate, they will get success.
How do you want to be remembered as a judge in this court?
Worthless, there are learned judges here, who am I?
What will you do next?
Let's see. I can follow spirituality. A lot of things …
Your ties with the Left are good. If there an offer?
My ties with the Left were never good. I was never their member. My ties with some people in the Left are good. I have never gone to any of their meetings or joined them.
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