Former West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has expressed grief over the death of veteran party leader Asish Banerjee, saying the five-time Rampurhat MLA faced sustained criticism and pressure in his final days.

Asish Banerjee, a former Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly, was found dead at a Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum's Rampurhat on Sunday. His death has since triggered a political confrontation, with several TMC leaders alleging that he had been targeted through repeated accusations and a campaign to damage his reputation.

In her tribute, Mamata Banerjee described Asish as a politician who remained closely connected with the people of Rampurhat and spent years working on development projects in the constituency. She said his long career in public life was overshadowed in his final days by allegations that he strongly disputed.

Mamata said the circumstances surrounding his death were particularly distressing because of the emotional strain he appeared to have experienced. She also criticised what she described as persistent political hostility, saying the impact of such pressure should prompt wider reflection.

The former chief minister recalled Asish's years of public service, including his tenure as Deputy Speaker and his work as a legislator. She also highlighted his association with teaching and community service, saying his contribution to the region would be remembered.

Suicide note recovered from spot

A day before his death, Asish Banerjee had attended an Independence Day programme at the same TMC office where he was later found.

Police subsequently recovered a handwritten note from the premises. In the purported letter, written in Bengali, Banerjee rejected allegations of wrongdoing connected with the Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA), where he had earlier served as chairman.

He reportedly stated that he had no involvement in decisions concerning tenders, cheque approvals, building plans or no-objection certificates. He also alleged that efforts had been made to tarnish his reputation.

The note reportedly expressed regret over his decision to enter politics and advised younger members of his family to concentrate on their professional careers instead.

A five-time Rampurhat MLA

Banerjee's political career began with his victory in the 2001 West Bengal Assembly election. He won the Rampurhat seat, then considered a Left Front stronghold, defeating Forward Bloc candidate Mahammad Hannan.

He subsequently retained the constituency through four more elections, establishing himself as a prominent TMC figure in Birbhum.

His electoral run ended in the 2026 Assembly election, when BJP candidate Dhruba Saha defeated him by nearly 24,000 votes. Following the defeat, Banerjee was reportedly less visible at party programmes and activities.

His death has now opened a fresh political dispute in West Bengal, with the TMC accusing its opponents and sections of the media of contributing to the pressure faced by the veteran leader.