‘Why can’t I have a girlfriend, she will answer about money found at her house’ – Partha Chatterjee SSC scam accused

“I was in jail for nearly three-and-a-half years, but I never made any comment against my party. At times I thought of saying something, but never uttered a word. Those who thought that I would collapse underestimated me.”

On his suspension from the TMC, Chatterjee said he came to know about the party’s decision when in jail. “During my days in jail, I was in touch with some party workers and functionaries. I am innocent and never used the party flag for money. If (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee looks at things justly, she will take the right decision (on his suspension).”

He added, “But I did not receive any (suspension) letter. I was in ED custody when officers informed me that I had been suspended and was removed as a minister. Then I stayed quiet. The party leadership did what it deemed correct at the time. But I have worked for the development of Behala West. I will go to the people as I am committed to them. They never raised any questions on my integrity.”

The former minister said, “Many are saying that the party is not with me but I want to say I was and am always with the party. For now, my main objective is to take care of my health and then I will reach out to the people of Behala West.

On his associate Arpita Mukherjee, who was arrested in connection with the case after a huge cache of cash was recovered from her residence, the TMC veteran said, “If people can have two wives, why cannot I have a girlfriend.”

On the cache of money recovered from Arpita’s residence during the investigation into alleged corruption in the school staff recruitment, he said, “The money was recovered from her house. Only she will be able to say anything on this.”