Prof. Ashis Banerjee:
"I Never Took a Single Paisa"
– The Legacy of a Man of Integrity
"I never took a single paisa, never ate a single sweet from anyone, never encouraged corruption." These were the final, defiant words of Prof. Ashis Banerjee—a five‑time MLA from Rampurhat, former Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, and a man whose life was defined by unwavering honesty. His tragic passing on 16 August 2026 has left an indelible void in Bengal’s political and educational landscape. Yet, even in his last moments, he chose to speak his truth, leaving behind a legacy of integrity that will inspire generations to come.
“A lifelong teacher and public servant, Ashish Banerjee devoted decades to serving people with honesty, dignity and simplicity. He was a respected figure and a source of pride for Birbhum.”
— Abhishek Banerjee, TMC General Secretary
📚 The Educator: From Classroom to Assembly
Before entering politics, Ashis Banerjee was an associate lecturer of Bengali at Rampurhat College. He joined politics while still a student at Burdwan University, but never abandoned his roots in education. Throughout his life, he remained a teacher at heart — patient, approachable, and deeply committed to nurturing young minds.
Mamata Banerjee, in her tribute, recalled that he “spent much of his life teaching and serving society with dedication, always known for his humble nature and close bond with the people of Rampurhat and Birbhum”. His transition from the classroom to the assembly was seamless because he carried the same values — integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to serve — into every role he undertook.
🏛️ A Quarter‑Century of Service
Ashis Banerjee represented the Rampurhat constituency continuously from 2001 to 2026 — an extraordinary 25‑year tenure that speaks to the deep trust the people placed in him. He was first elected in 2001 and retained his seat in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.
He held several important ministerial portfolios in the West Bengal government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including School Education, Agriculture, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy), Biotechnology, Statistics, and Programme Implementation. He also served as Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from 2021 until the 2026 elections.
📌 Key Contributions
- Education: As School Education Minister, worked to improve access and quality of schooling across the state.
- Agriculture: Championed farmers' welfare and agricultural development in West Bengal.
- AYUSH: Promoted traditional medicine systems and integrated them into public healthcare.
- Deputy Speaker: Ensured orderly proceedings and upheld the dignity of the House.
- Rampurhat Development: Dedicated himself to bringing development to his constituency, undertaking numerous important works for the people.
⚖️ 'I Never Took a Single Paisa': The Man of Unwavering Integrity
In his final handwritten note, Ashis Banerjee left behind a powerful testament to his character. He wrote: “I had no responsibilities at the TRDA other than attending general meetings. I was not on the tender committee. I did not have the authority to sign cheques. I was not involved in approving plans or issuing ‘No Objection’ certificates. No one ever consulted me on these matters. I condemn the actions taken to malign me. I never took a single paisa, never ate a single sweet from anyone, never encouraged corruption.”
These words, penned in the shadow of despair, reflect a lifetime of rectitude. TMC MP Samirul Islam described him as the “most honest and highly educated person in Birbhum”. He also expressed regret over entering politics and advised his family members against pursuing it—a heartbreaking glimpse into the personal toll of public life.
“The harassment and mental pressure he faced, despite his long record of public service, should make all of us pause and reflect on the human cost of relentless political hostility.”
— Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Minister of West Bengal
🕊️ A Tragedy That Shook Bengal
On the morning of 16 August 2026, Ashis Banerjee was found hanging at a TMC party office adjacent to his residence in Rampurhat. A purported handwritten suicide note was recovered. Just a day earlier, he had participated in a local Independence Day celebration and hoisted the Tricolour.
His death sparked widespread shock and grief across the political spectrum. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vowed a thorough investigation, stating that the handwriting on the note would be examined. He also expressed apprehension that “corrupt elements” within the TMC might have threatened him.
🌟 A Legacy That Endures
Ashis Banerjee’s life teaches us that public service is a calling, not a career. He entered politics not for power or profit, but because he believed he could make a difference. And he did — for 25 years, he stood by the people of Rampurhat, championing their causes, bringing development to their doorstep, and always remaining accessible and humble.
🔹 Service Above Self: He chose a life of service over comfort, dedicating decades to the people of Birbhum.
🔹 Integrity is Everything: Even in his final moments, he affirmed his commitment to honesty and transparency—proclaiming he had never taken a single paisa.
🔹 Teacher First: He never forgot his roots as an educator, shaping young minds even as he shaped policy.
🔹 Humility in Leadership: Despite holding the highest offices, he remained grounded and approachable.
TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee reminded us: “Political battles will come and go, but a life once lost can never be brought back. Bengal has lost one of its most respected sons of the soil.”
“He spent much of his life teaching and serving society with dedication, always known for his humble nature and close bond with the people of Rampurhat and Birbhum. His absence will be deeply felt, always.”
Rest in peace, Prof. Ashis Banerjee.
You have left us too soon, but your legacy of integrity, service, and dedication—and your final, defiant words—will never fade.
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