The Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government removed Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallick from his post due to alleged involvement in a multi-crore ration distribution scam.
Birbaha Hansda was assigned the forest ministry portfolio, while Partha Bhowmick took over the Public Enterprises and Industrial Reconstruction portfolio. The decision was made following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s advice.
TMC emphasized zero tolerance for corruption, highlighting actions taken against other ministers. Governor CV Ananda Bose relieved Mallick of his duties under Article 166(3) of the Constitution.
Mallick’s removal coincides with the Enforcement Directorate’s search for Shahjahan Sheikh, a close associate, in connection with the ration scam. It is suspected that Mallick may have been involved in siphoning the scam funds.
Sheikh, yet to appear before the ED, faces multiple summonses. Mallick was arrested last year under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act regarding the scam.