Bengal Forest Minister Rajib Banerjee resigns from Mamata Banerjee-led State Cabinet

Kolkata: West Bengal Forest Minister Rajib Banerjee on Friday resigned from Mamata Banerjee-led State Cabinet before the coming Assembly polls.

He is the third minister in Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet to resign.

In a letter to Mamata, Mr Banerjee wrote, “I regret to inform you that hereby tender my resignation from my Office as Cabinet Minister being in charge of Forest Department on today, i.e. On 22nd of January, 2021.”

“It has been a great honour and privilege to serve the people of West Bengal,” he said.

“I heartily convey my gratitude for getting this opportunity,” Mr Banerjee wrote.

“I have sent a copy of this to His Excellency Governor of West Bengal for his necessary action. Kindly accept my resignation and oblige,” he added.

After submitting his resignation, Rajib Banerjee met Governor Jagdeep Dhankar who later accepted his resignation as a cabinet minister.

The Trinamool MLA from Domjur’s resignation comes days ahead of Amit Shah’s reported visit to poll-bound Bengal from January 30 to January 31.

During Shah’s last visit, former Trinamool heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari, who has a significant presence in Nandigram area, joined BJP in presence of the union home minister at a massive rally in East Medinipur

Earlier, Senior TMC leader and minister Partha Chatterjee had held at least two rounds of talks with him.

“Shri Rajib Banerjee, Minister for Forest Affairs @MamataOfficial called on me and handed over a letter of resignation from the Council of Ministers,” tweeted Mr Dhankhar.

“He was indicated that steps in accordance with the constitution would be taken.”

“It being the first visit of Shri Rajib Banerjee the Minister for Forest Affairs @MamataOfficial during my tenure as Governor we spent time in exchange of ideas,” he said. (UNI)