Koustav Bagchi
Koustav Bagchi | |
|---|---|
 Advocate Koustav Bagchi in 2024 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress (until 2024) |
| Residence(s) | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Education | LL.M. in Constitutional Law |
| Alma mater | Kakatiya University |
| Profession | Advocate |
Koustav Bagchi is an Indian advocate and politician based in Kolkata, West Bengal. He practices at the Calcutta High Court and is known for his legal activism and vocal criticism of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal. A former spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, Bagchi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2024.
Early life and education
[edit]Bagchi was born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal. He earned his Master of Laws (LL.M) with a specialization in Constitutional Law from Kakatiya University, Telangana.[1]
Legal career
[edit]Bagchi is a practicing lawyer at the Calcutta High Court and has appeared in several high-profile cases involving constitutional rights and administrative actions. He has filed public interest litigations (PILs) on issues such as alleged police excesses and state recruitment processes.[2]
Political career
[edit]Role in the Indian National Congress
[edit]Bagchi served as a prominent spokesperson for the Indian National Congress (INC) in West Bengal. In March 2023, he was arrested under multiple IPC sections after making remarks referencing a controversial book on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.[3] His arrest sparked criticism from civil society and opposition parties, who called it an attack on free speech.[4]
Following his release, Bagchi publicly shaved his head in protest, stating that he would remain bald until the TMC was removed from power in the state.[5]
Departure from Congress and switch to BJP
[edit]In February 2024, Bagchi resigned from the Congress, accusing its leadership of compromising with the TMC. He alleged that the party had become indifferent to issues such as corruption and political violence in West Bengal.[1]
On 29 February 2024, he officially joined the BJP in the presence of senior leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar. Bagchi stated that only the BJP could offer a credible challenge to the TMC's dominance in West Bengal.[6]
Legal activism
[edit]Bagchi continues to be involved in legal activism. In May 2025, he filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court challenging the West Bengal government's decision to appoint 100 civic volunteers at the Jagannath temple in Digha, arguing that the move was politically motivated and lacked transparency.[2]
Controversies
[edit]In May 2025, a complaint was filed against Bagchi for allegedly defaming Mamata Banerjee by sharing controversial excerpts from a book authored by the late Dipak Ghosh, a former associate of the Chief Minister. The Kolkata Police initiated a preliminary inquiry into the matter.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "West Bengal Congress leader Koustav Bagchi joins BJP". The Indian Express. 29 February 2024.
- ^ a b "BJP leader moves HC against plan for civic volunteers at Digha temple". Hindustan Times. 28 May 2025.
- ^ "Kolkata Congress leader arrested for comments against Mamata Banerjee". The Hindu. 4 March 2023.
- ^ "Congress leader's arrest triggers political storm". The Telegraph. 5 March 2023.
- ^ "Congress leader who shaved head in protest joins BJP". Daijiworld. 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Former Congress spokesperson joins BJP, slams party leadership". India Today. 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Complaint against BJP leader Koustav Bagchi for defaming Mamata". India Today. 30 May 2025.
External links
[edit]- High Court at Calcutta – Official site