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Synopsis

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray, criticized the recent move of Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay to resign and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The former judge resigned from his office on Tuesday and joined the BJP on Thursday, stating that his objective is to oust the Trinamool Congress from West Bengal.

Thackeray, addressing a rally in Kalamb at Dharashiv District, mentioned that Justice Gangopadhyay had passed judgments against the TMC, emphasizing that he did not uphold the sacredness expected of a judge.

“A judge resigned in West Bengal and joined the BJP to contest Lok Sabha polls. He gave judgements against the Trinamool Congress. Now how can we say he would have upheld the sacredness of his work? Similarly, the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker was given the lure of a Lok Sabha seat (by BJP) and a decision against us was obtained from him (in MLA disqualification case),” Thackeray said.

Justice Gangopadhyay, addressing the press upon joining the BJP, stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very good man. He added that the decision of him contesting Lok Sabha elections lies with the party.

“Prime Minister Modi is a very good man, very hard-working, trying to do something for our country. Both BJP and I approached each other. I made the decision to step away from the judiciary only in the last 7 days. I haven't adjudicated on any matter during that period,” the former judge said.

Justice Gangopadhyay sent his resignation letter to the President, Chief Justice of India, and Chief Justice of the high court earlier today. The resignation came into effect immediately under Article 217 (1) (a) of the Constitution.

Source: PTI