The Political Journey of Shankar Ghosh: From Academic to Politician

Shankar Ghosh, a former CPI(M) leader and BJP candidate, is vying for re-election in Siliguri. With a doctorate in Botany, he faces three pending criminal cases claimed as politically motivated. His annual income rose to Rs 12.88 lakh with outstanding financial liability from a house loan.

Shankar Ghosh, a BJP candidate from Siliguri, is a prominent figure with an academic background and political aspirations. Holding a doctorate in Botany, Ghosh is a teacher who transitioned from the CPI(M) to the BJP in 2021. He faces three criminal cases, all of which he argues are politically motivated.

Among the charges filed against him are unlawful assembly, rioting, and using criminal force against a public servant. These legal issues date back to 2013 and 2016. His financial declarations reveal an income rise to Rs 12.88 lakh for 2024-25, up from Rs 8.96 lakh the previous year.

Ghosh also has outstanding financial liabilities, including a house building loan of about Rs 7.83 lakh. Known for his scholarly approach, he served as the chief whip for BJP in the outgoing assembly and had previous roles as a CPI(M) councillor and mayor-in-council member in Siliguri.

(With inputs from agencies.)