Ex-Bengal deputy speaker Ashish Banerjee found dead under mysterious circumstances at TMC office

Former Trinamool Congress MLA and Deputy Speaker Ashish Banerjee was discovered deceased inside his party office on Sunday morning, the location of his residence. A hanging body and a suicide note were found at the scene. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination. Ashish served as Deputy Speaker for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly during Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

He was a five-time elected MLA from Rampurhat. In the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, he faced defeat against BJP's Dhruba Saha. It appears to be a suicide case, according to Birbhum SP Vidit Raj Bhundesh. Ashish resided in Hattalapara, Ward No. 5 of Rampurhat. A crowd had gathered nearby upon the recovery of his body. Police arrived from Rampurhat station, retrieved the body, and sent it for autopsy.

Ashish, a prominent TMC leader, represented Rampurhat as MLA from 2001 to 2026. He served as School Education Minister and Agriculture Minister under the state government after the TMC's rise to power. However, he did not attain higher cabinet positions. Anubrata Mondal, his associate as Birbhum district TMC president, limited his political progression in the district due to his influence.