Mamata alleges Asish Banerjee faced relentless pressure before death

Mamata Banerjee has alleged that former West Bengal assembly deputy speaker Asish Banerjee was repeatedly maligned and subjected to immense mental pressure before his death. The 74-year-old TMC veteran was found hanging at a party office near his home in Rampurhat, Birbhum, on Sunday morning. Police recovered a purported suicide note in which he is learnt to have said no one was responsible for his death and expressed regret over entering politics. The note's authenticity has not been independently verified.

The death has triggered a blame game among TMC factions and the BJP. The Mamata Banerjee camp accused the BJP and sections of the media of systematic vilification. Rebel TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee blamed alleged corruption and 'organised loot' over 15 years for creating a backlash against innocent party workers. BJP chief minister Suvendu Adhikari rejected claims of political pressure, saying Banerjee's personal image was never questioned. Police are examining the suicide note and the former leader's phone as part of their investigation.