Body of Former West Bengal Deputy Speaker Ashish Banerjee Found in Office

Kolkata, August 16: The body of Ashish Banerjee, a senior politician and former MLA of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, was discovered on Sunday in his office located at his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district. The police have sent the body for an autopsy, and the cause of death remains unknown. Authorities stated that they are investigating the case from all angles.

Upon learning of the incident, a large number of party workers and local residents gathered outside his office. The police arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation. The actual cause of death will be clarified only after the autopsy report and the investigation are complete.

Ashish Banerjee was a prominent figure in West Bengal politics. He was elected as an MLA from the Rampurhat constituency five consecutive times. During the tenure of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he held ministerial responsibilities in the departments of school education, agriculture, and AYUSH. He also served as the Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly.

Throughout his political career, Banerjee managed significant departments like education and agriculture, implementing various state initiatives. Even as Deputy Speaker, he played an active role in the assembly proceedings.

In the West Bengal Assembly elections held in 2026, he faced a tough contest against Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Dhruv Saha and lost. Despite the defeat, he remained active in the area and stayed in touch with party workers.

Following the news of his passing, a wave of mourning swept through Rampurhat. Supporters gathered outside his residence, engaging in various discussions about the incident. The police have currently taken possession of the body and commenced an investigation while awaiting the autopsy report.