Leena Gangopadhyay steps down as chairperson of state women’s commission after nine-year tenure

Leena Gangopadhyay has resigned from her post as Chairperson of the West Bengal State Commission for Women after nearly nine years in office. The resignation, submitted earlier this week, comes ahead of the completion of her tenure, which was scheduled to end in July.She confirmed that she had stepped down from the position a couple of days ago. However, she is yet to receive formal confirmation from the commission regarding the acceptance of her resignation. Reportedly, a meeting has been called at the commission’s office, after which an official announcement may follow.Speculation around her resignation had been circulating since April, following the death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, after which sections of the film and television industry raised questions about workplace safety and accountability. During that period, some voices had also called for changes within statutory bodies.Leena’s decision also comes amid a broader political transition in the state, following the change in government after the 2026 Assembly elections. Observers have linked her resignation to this shifting political landscape, though no official reason has been stated.Her exit coincides with the recent appointment of actor-politician Agnimitra Paul as the state’s Minister for Women and Child Development. Leena had served the commission continuously for nine years, the maximum duration allowed as per the rules.Whether she will now return full-time to creative work in television remains to be seen.