Former West Bengal Minister Ujjal Biswas Dies At 72
Trinamool Congress leader passes away following a prolonged illness and recent health complications.
1Passing of Ujjal Biswas
Ujjal Biswas, a former minister in the West Bengal government, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 72. He had been receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata for three weeks. The veteran politician had been placed on full ventilation support during his final days due to critical health.
2Medical Complications Detailed
The former minister's health deteriorated significantly following a bypass surgery, which was subsequently complicated by a brain stroke. Medical reports from Tuesday indicated that his physical condition remained extremely critical throughout his final hospitalization. He faced a series of compounding physical challenges that ultimately led to his death after a prolonged illness.
3Mamata Banerjee's Condolences
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her former cabinet colleague. She described Biswas as a dedicated member of the Trinamool Congress who served the public for many years. Banerjee emphasized that his passing represents a personal loss and leaves a void within the party's leadership structure.
4Allegations of Political Persecution
Banerjee claimed that Biswas suffered immensely during the final months of his life due to political targeting. She stated that he was imprisoned for 49 days after being implicated in cases she characterized as false. According to her, these events caused him significant physical and mental suffering before his eventual passing this week.
5Claims of State Retribution
The Chief Minister alleged that Biswas was subjected to intimidation because he refused to switch his political allegiance. She accused the BJP of utilizing state machinery for political vengeance against opponents. These remarks frame the death not just as a medical event, but as a consequence of intense political rivalry within the state.
6Impact on Local Democracy
Banerjee argued that the treatment of Biswas reflects a broader trend of persecution in West Bengal politics. She asserted that weaponizing legal cases to break an individual's spirit wounds the democratic process itself. Her statement serves as a critique of current political practices, suggesting that rivalry should not justify such alleged systemic cruelty.
7Political Career Context
Ujjal Biswas served as a minister and an MLA, maintaining a long-standing commitment to the Trinamool Congress. His career was marked by his refusal to abandon his political convictions despite facing external pressures. His tenure in the cabinet and his legislative work defined his role as a central figure in regional governance.
8Legacy and Future Outlook
The death of Ujjal Biswas highlights the ongoing tensions between major political factions in West Bengal. As the party mourns his loss, the narrative surrounding his final months will likely remain a point of contention. His legacy is now being utilized to emphasize the party's stance against alleged political intimidation and state-led retribution.
Original article: NDTV – Top Stories — Former West Bengal Minister Ujjal Biswas Dies At 72