Partha returns home after bail, vows commitment to voters
Times of India | 12 November 2025
Kolkata: Former Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was granted bail on Monday, finally reached home on Tuesday afternoon, three years and three months after he was arrested for his alleged role in recruitment irregularities.
Trinamool workers and his followers gathered first at RN Tagore Hospital and then at his Naktala residence. While Chatterjee did not comment on his political future, he said he was committed to voters in Behala West (the sitting MLA from where he won in 2021) and "would go to the people".
Papers from the court reached the Mukundapur hospital on Monday night. The doctors, however, wanted to conduct a check-up before he was discharged.
Chatterjee was admitted to the hospital on April 22 this year following heart and kidney problems. He also underwent an eye operation during his hospital stay.
"I was in jail for nearly three and a half years, but never made any comment against my party. I was in the dark for these years. At times I even thought of saying something, but never spoke a word. Those who thought that I might break down have underestimated me," he said, while talking to a news channel.
Commenting on his suspension from the party, Chatterjee said he came to know about the party decision while in jail. "During my days behind bars, I was in touch with some workers and party functionaries. I am innocent and never took up the party flag for money. If Mamata Banerjee analyses facts correctly, she will take the right decision," he Chatterjee.
"I have worked for the development of Behala West and it has changed.
I will go to the people as I am committed to them. They have never raised questions about my integrity," he said.
Before he came out of the hospital, Chatterjee asked his lawyer to answer questions from the media. As the media continued to throw questions at him, Chatterjee kept silent. He went towards his car and sat inside.
"He has said that truth will triumph. He will continue to appear in court as directed. Doctors have advised him to take rest and take regular medications.
We will keep a watch on his health and update the court accordingly," his lawyer Biplab Goswami said.
As Chatterjee sat in the car with hands folded, tears rolled down his eyes. Seemingly lost in thought, Chatterjee waved at the crowd waiting outside. The crowd was carrying banners and placards and shouted to cheer for him. The car left the hospital area by 2pm.
Chatterjee reached his Naktala residence around 4pm. His eyes welled up again as Chatterjee looked up at the house.
His family members performed an ‘aarti' before he stepped in. He stood in front of his father's photograph as he entered the house. His family members and niece helped him sit on a chair. His pet dog ‘Choco' sat by his side.
As the crowd thinned, some party functionaries came to visit Chatterjee. A source said he might visit the Bengal assembly in some time.
"Doctors will decide if he can appear physically in court on the next hearing," Goswami said. Chatterjee will have to appear at the Special PMLA court on Nov 26, followed by an appearance at the CBI court in Dec.