Kolkata, 20 April (H.S.): The political climate in West Bengal has intensified once again over the ongoing job controversy, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He alleged that the state government has failed to provide jobs to deserving candidates and instead facilitated corruption by “selling jobs” while depriving meritorious applicants.

In a message posted on X on Monday, Adhikari claimed that eligible candidates were unfairly denied employment and that the government has been issuing misleading assurances to protect its political image. He further alleged that individuals who allegedly “scripted” strategies to help the government navigate the controversy are now being rewarded with jobs.

Taking a direct swipe at the Chief Minister, Adhikari said that people of the state are aware that the government’s priority has not been employment generation, but rather turning jobs into a transactional tool.

The issue of teacher recruitment and other appointments has already been a major controversy in the state, and Adhikari’s remarks have further escalated the political tensions. A response from the All India Trinamool Congress is still awaited.

Notably, the controversy has also intersected with recent developments involving Indian Political Action Committee, the political consultancy firm working with the ruling party, which recently asked its employees in Bengal to go on a 20-day break. Following this, Mamata Banerjee, addressing a public rally in Tarakeswar on Sunday, stated that if I-PAC does not retain its employees, her government would ensure job opportunities for them. Referring to this, Adhikari alleged that those linked to the alleged “job-selling script” are now being promised employment by the Chief Minister, further fueling the political row.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey