Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office in Rampurhat, Birbhum, on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026.
Banerjee, who was 74, was found hanging inside the TMC office in Hattala Para, located close to his residence. Police have started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. His body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
A note reportedly written by Banerjee was also recovered from the premises. Police are examining the contents of the note as part of the investigation. The circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been conclusively established.
Five-Time MLA From Rampurhat
Asish Banerjee was one of the senior TMC leaders in Birbhum and represented the Rampurhat Assembly constituency for five consecutive terms. He first won the seat in 2001 and remained its MLA until the 2026 Assembly election.
He also served as Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly from 2021 to 2026. During his political career, Banerjee held ministerial responsibilities in the West Bengal government, including the agriculture portfolio. He had earlier served in other departments as well.
BJP Candidate Defeated Banerjee In 2026 Polls
Banerjee’s long electoral run in Rampurhat ended in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election.
BJP candidate Dhruba Saha defeated Banerjee in the constituency. Saha secured 1,11,920 votes, while Banerjee received 87,687 votes, giving the BJP candidate a winning margin of 24,233 votes.
The defeat marked a major change in Banerjee’s political career after more than two decades as the representative of Rampurhat.
Had Sought To Step Back From Party Responsibilities
Following the election defeat, Banerjee had reportedly expressed his intention to step away from some organisational responsibilities within the TMC’s Birbhum unit.
However, reports indicated that he did not intend to leave the Trinamool Congress and wanted to continue as an ordinary party worker.
His death has now shocked the party and political circles in West Bengal.
Police Probe Underway
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and have sent Banerjee’s body for post-mortem examination.
The note recovered from the party office is also being examined by investigators. Officials are yet to establish the complete circumstances that led to his death, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
