In a significant move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its 5th list of 111 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2024 on Sunday.
Among the notable entrants is Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who will be making his electoral debut from the Tamluk constituency.
This announcement comes merely days after Gangopadhyay tendered his resignation from his judicial position, marking a swift transition from the judiciary to the political arena.
Known for his rulings that have often sparked controversies, here’s a closer look at five key aspects of Justice Gangopadhyay’s life and career:
Early Life and Education
Born in Kolkata in 1962, Justice Gangopadhyay’s educational journey began at the Mitra Institution, a Bengali medium school located in the southern part of the city. He pursued higher education in law at Hazra Law College, Kolkata, laying the groundwork for his future career in the legal domain.
Career Transition
Justice Gangopadhyay embarked on his professional journey in Uttar Dinajpur district, where he served as a Grade A officer in the West Bengal Civil Service. The transition from a civil service role to the legal profession marked a significant turn in his career, as he later resigned to practice as a state lawyer in the Calcutta High Court.
Judicial Milestones
The year 2018 marked a significant milestone in Justice Gangopadhyay’s career as he was appointed as an additional judge. His judicial acumen and contributions to the legal field were further recognized when he became a permanent judge two years later.
Embroiled in Controversy
Justice Gangopadhyay’s tenure as a judge has not been without its controversies. A notable incident that drew widespread attention was his interview with a TV channel last April, amidst his hearing of a case related to the ‘school jobs for cash scam’. His comments on the alleged involvement of TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in the matter drew criticism, with the Supreme Court reprimanding him by stating that “sitting judges had no business giving interviews to TV channels.”
Other Names in List
The list also features Bollywood personalities like Kangana Ranaut from Mandi and Arun Govil from Meerut, both stepping into the political arena for the first time.
Kangana Ranaut, admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Arun Govil, famed for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the iconic television series ‘Ramayan,’ are among the fresh faces introduced by the party. However, the list saw the exclusion of Varun Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh, while his mother, Maneka Gandhi, retained her spot from Sultanpur.
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Adding to the surprises, Naveen Jindal, who recently parted ways with Congress to join BJP, has been allocated the Kurukshetra seat in Haryana.
The forthcoming parliamentary elections, covering 543 constituencies, are slated to unfold in seven phases starting from April 19, with the final phase concluding on June 1. The nation eagerly awaits the counting of votes on June 4, as the BJP aims to consolidate its position with a mix of seasoned politicians and fresh faces.
