CM Urges Legal Course Over Protest in Vikas Bhavan Recruitment Row

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 19, 2025 : Amid ongoing agitation over the Vikas Bhavan recruitment issue, West Bengal Chief Minister, currently visiting North Bengal, addressed the controversy with a measured response. When questioned by reporters, the Chief Minister expressed sympathy for those involved in the protest but urged respect for the judicial process.

“Please don’t ask me to talk about this issue. I have enough sympathy for them—always had and still do,” the Chief Minister said. He explained that a review petition has already been filed in court on behalf of the state government. “In court, certain rules must be followed. There are compulsions. We have filed the review petition. If it is accepted, it’s good. If the court delivers a verdict, we are bound to accept it. We cannot say we will not accept the court’s decision.”

He assured that, so far, no salaries have been stopped and added that even those in Group-C categories who may not be eligible for payments under the current situation are being supported through a special state scheme.

Responding to further questions, the Chief Minister expressed disappointment at what he described as politically motivated instigation behind the movement. “I feel bad about one thing—those who are instigating this are the very ones who filed the case. These jobs did not come to us. I would tell those on the verge of getting jobs, it could have been done without such action.”

Referring to those who had secured appointments and are now vocal in the protest, he remarked, “If those who got jobs become the flag-bearers of self-interest, I have an objection. They should have trusted the state government. I myself have held meetings with them. We expect a minimum level of respect and courtesy from teachers.”

He concluded by clarifying his stance on the protests: “I am not against the movement. But a movement must have its limits. I would say—rather than protesting on the streets, pursue the legal path.”

The Chief Minister’s comments come as the debate around recruitment irregularities and job security for aspiring candidates continues to dominate the political discourse in the state.