‘Even If You Slit My Throat, I Won’t Back Down’: Abhishek Banerjee’s Remark After 11 Hour ED Grilling Raises Political Heat

Kolkata: A fresh political storm erupted in West Bengal on Monday after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee made a defiant statement following an extensive round of questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged teacher recruitment scam.

After spending nearly 11 hours at the ED office, Banerjee told reporters that he would continue to face the investigation and would not be intimidated by pressure or repeated summons.

His strongest remark came when he declared, “Even if you slit my throat, I won’t back down,” a statement that quickly triggered intense political debate and dominated headlines across the state.

Second Consecutive Day of Questioning

According to sources, Banerjee was questioned for several hours as part of the agency’s ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of primary school teachers in West Bengal.

Addressing the media after the session, the TMC leader noted that he had appeared before investigative agencies multiple times over the past few years and would continue to cooperate whenever required.

Banerjee emphasized that the case under investigation dates back several years and stated that he has consistently responded to summons issued by the authorities.

Sharp Attack on BJP

While refraining from directly commenting on the nature of the questioning, Banerjee took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Diamond Harbour MP accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties and alleged that political violence has been encouraged after elections. He maintained that such pressures would not deter him from continuing his political work.

The remarks have added a fresh political dimension to an investigation that has already generated significant controversy in West Bengal.

What Is the Teacher Recruitment Scam?

The investigation relates to alleged irregularities in recruitment processes for teaching and non-teaching posts in government-aided schools across West Bengal.

The case has remained under scrutiny for several years, with central agencies examining claims that appointments were made in exchange for financial benefits and that recruitment procedures were manipulated.

The alleged scam gained national attention in July 2022 when former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee was arrested by the ED. During searches linked to the investigation, officials recovered large amounts of cash and valuables from properties associated with individuals connected to the case.

The discoveries sparked widespread outrage and intensified demands for accountability.

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Massive Financial Trail Under Investigation

Investigators have since traced and attached multiple properties linked to the alleged recruitment scam.

Earlier this year, the ED reportedly attached immovable assets worth nearly ₹57.78 crore as part of its investigation into recruitment-related irregularities involving assistant teachers.

In the broader teacher recruitment probe, authorities have attached and seized assets worth over ₹154 crore, making it one of the most significant financial investigations in the state’s recent history.

Supreme Court Verdict Changed the Course of the Case

The controversy received another major twist when the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment in April 2025.

The court cancelled the appointments of more than 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff, ruling that the recruitment process had been fundamentally compromised and could not be sustained.

The judgment significantly strengthened the spotlight on the ongoing investigations being carried out by both the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Political Battle Likely to Intensify

With the investigation continuing and political rhetoric becoming sharper, the issue is expected to remain at the center of West Bengal’s political discourse.

For the ruling Trinamool Congress, the case has become a major political challenge, while opposition parties continue to demand accountability and transparency in the recruitment process.

As central agencies push ahead with their probes, Abhishek Banerjee’s latest comments have ensured that the controversy remains firmly in the public eye.

Whether the investigation uncovers new evidence or leads to further political confrontations, the recruitment scam is likely to remain one of the most closely watched cases in Indian politics.