Mamata Banerjee resigns from 23 offices ahead of Bengal polls

Ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday resigned from 23 positions she held across various state departments and affiliated bodies, according to an official communication.

In a letter issued by the state’s home department, all departments were directed to initiate immediate steps to formalise the acceptance of her resignations. The communication also asked officials to process her exit from any additional roles not explicitly listed in her submission.

Banerjee, who is contesting the polls from the Bhabanipur seat in south Kolkata, faces leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in a high-stakes electoral battle.

“I am directed to forward a copy of the communication which would reveal that Mamata Banerjee has, with immediate effect, resigned from the offices/posts as mentioned in the enclosed list,” the letter stated.

Among the key roles she relinquished are her positions as head of the State Health Mission, chairperson of the State Wildlife Board and the Ecotourism Advisory Board, and head of the committee formed to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose. She also stepped down from the governing body of the West Bengal Urdu Academy.

In addition, Banerjee resigned as chief of the organising committee of the Bangla Sangeet Mela, and from leadership roles in the state’s SC and ST advisory councils. She also relinquished positions in the State Industrial Investment Promotion Board and the State Disaster Management Authority, among others.

Departments have been instructed to act “forthwith” to process the resignations and ensure all formalities are completed. The communication further directed officials to submit a compliance report on the acceptance of these resignations by 4 pm on Wednesday.

In her note to the chief minister’s office, Banerjee requested that steps be taken to accept her resignations from all such posts, including those not specifically mentioned in the enclosed list.

Officials said the move requires swift administrative follow-up across departments to ensure a smooth transition and formal relinquishment of responsibilities, as the chief minister focuses on the upcoming electoral contest.

With PTI inputs