Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Birbhum Zilla Parishad Chief Resigns, Ending Administrative Gridlock
Birbhum’s local council leader, Kajal Sheikh, has resigned.
His absence had made it difficult for the council to hold meetings and carry out development work.
The administration accepted his resignation after hearing his explanation.
Sheikh said he was leaving voluntarily for personal reasons and was not forced.
Some council members had already started a no-confidence process against him.
The disagreement reflected a political fight inside the Trinamool Congress.
Officials will temporarily manage the council’s work while responsibilities are transferred.
The resignation is intended to restore normal administration in Birbhum.
Birbhum Zilla Parishad chairperson Faizul Haque, known as Kajal Sheikh, resigned from his post.
The administration accepted the resignation under Section 144(4) of the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973.
The chairperson’s absence had stalled committee meetings and disrupted development work in the district.
A no-confidence motion was signed by 19 of the 52 Zilla Parishad members, reportedly linked to Anubrata Mandal’s faction.
The District Magistrate and Executive Officer must assume charge and receive official records and properties within five working days.
- Who
- Faizul Haque, popularly known as Kajal Sheikh, the Birbhum District Zilla Parishad chairperson, resigned; the District Magistrate and Executive Officer are to oversee the transition.
- What
- The administration accepted Sheikh’s resignation with immediate effect, ending a period of administrative paralysis and triggering a handover of the chairperson’s responsibilities.
- When
- Sheikh submitted his resignation on August 19 and appeared for a personal hearing on August 20; the article also describes the acceptance as occurring on Thursday and refers to his resignation as taking place on Tuesday.
- Where
- The Birbhum District Zilla Parishad in West Bengal, about 180 kilometres northwest of Kolkata.
- Why
- Sheikh told authorities that he resigned voluntarily for personal reasons, while the broader context included prolonged absence, a no-confidence motion and factional tensions within the Trinamool Congress.
Political pressure and factional conflict
Voluntary personal decision
Reason for resignation
Political pressure and factional conflict
The resignation followed weeks of speculation, a stalled administration and a no-confidence motion backed by 19 council members associated with Anubrata Mandal’s faction.
Voluntary personal decision
During his personal hearing, Kajal Sheikh said he resigned voluntarily for personal reasons and without external pressure or coercion.
Control within the Trinamool Congress
Political pressure and factional conflict
The episode is presented as part of a continuing rivalry between Sheikh’s Ritabrata Banerjee-aligned camp and Anubrata Mandal’s faction.
Voluntary personal decision
The administration’s decision was based on Sheikh’s statement and the formal legal process, rather than an official finding that factional pressure caused his resignation.
- Official name
- Faizul Haque; popularly known as Kajal Sheikh
- Position
- Chairperson, Birbhum District Zilla Parishad
- Legal basis
- Section 144(4) of the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973
- No-confidence motion
- Signed by 19 of the 52 Zilla Parishad members
- Handover deadline
- Within five working days
- Stated reason for resignation
- Personal reasons; Sheikh said it was voluntary and free from external pressure
- Political balance
- The BJP holds six of Birbhum’s 11 Assembly seats, while the TMC holds five