The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday. It blamed her for the widespread corruption in the state’s school recruitment process.

During a press briefing, BJP leader Sambit Patra warned of strict legal consequences. He declared, “Didi jail jayengi, albat jayengi. Hindustan mai kanoon ka shasan hai. The day BJP forms a government in Bengal, the full force of the law will be brought upon Mamata Banerjee.”

Supreme Court Upholds Calcutta HC Verdict

Earlier, the Supreme Court backed the Calcutta High Court’s decision to cancel over 25,000 job appointments. These included both teaching and non-teaching staff recruited through the School Service Commission (SSC) in 2016. According to the court, the process was filled with “manipulations and frauds.” The bench noted, “The entire selection process has been vitiated and tainted beyond resolution.”

Patra Accuses Mamata of Promoting Corruption

Furthermore, Patra accused Mamata Banerjee of shielding the guilty. He said, “A few days ago, Mamata Banerjee went to Oxford and called herself a tigress. But no tigress engages in corruption.” He added that her government had “allowed corruption to flourish,” which caused great harm to lakhs of people.

Top Court Finds Recruitment Scam Irreparable

Significantly, the Supreme Court found the process beyond repair. It stated, “Credibility and legitimacy of the selection are denuded.” The Court also agreed with the High Court’s order to cancel the recruitment of 25,780 individuals.

Evidence of Tampering and Bribes

The High Court had earlier found proof of large-scale fraud. For instance, officials tampered with OMR answer sheets and gave jobs to undeserving candidates in return for bribes. Therefore, the court ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

TMC Allegedly Blocked Investigation

Moreover, Patra accused Mamata Banerjee’s party of trying to stop the investigation. He claimed, “When the CBI began probing the scam, Mamata Banerjee and her party leaders attacked the agency to shield the corrupt.”

BJP Questions Silence of Opposition

Additionally, Patra questioned the silence of the INDIA alliance. He asked, “Had such serious allegations been made against any NDA Chief Minister, Rahul Gandhi would have raised a storm in Parliament… Where is he now?”

Court Orders Job Cancellation and Salary Refunds

The Supreme Court ordered the removal of all “tainted” candidates. It also directed them to refund their salaries. The court stated, “Since their appointments were the result of fraud, this amounts to cheating.”

Untainted Candidates Can Reapply

On the other hand, candidates not found guilty will also lose their jobs. However, they won’t have to return the money they earned. The Court allowed them to reapply for their previous jobs in state departments.

BJP Turns Scam Into Key Election Issue

Finally, the BJP promised to keep raising the issue. It said that corruption under Mamata Banerjee would remain a central point in their campaign. Once again, Patra warned, “Didi jail jayengi, albat jayengi.”